Deianira Morris
@deianira-morris
Deianira is an archaeologist and museum enthusiast with a love for studying the ancient past. She holds a BA in Anthropology with a concentration on Archaeology from the University of Arizona, during which she also attained a Minor in Psychology. Her research focuses on how past societies used images and symbols to demonstrate communal identities and cultural worldviews. Deianira also has a passion for ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage and is pursuing a career as a museum professional. As a writer, Deianira’s goal is to make information about ancient history more accessible and interesting to the public.
7 Most Important Mesopotamian Gods
The first civilizations in human history were individually unique and fiercely independent. One of the few things that united them was the worship of the most important Mesopotamian gods.
Ashurbanipal: King of Assyria, Hunter of Lions
Originally not meant to inherit the throne, Ashurbanipal distinguished himself as one of the greatest kings of the Assyrian Empire.
Goddess Ereshkigal: The First Ruler of the Underworld
As ruler of the underworld, Ereshkigal looked after the souls of the dead and kept the balance. As a goddess, even the most powerful deities could not stand against her.
Sargon of Akkad: The Orphan Who Founded an Empire
Sargon of Akkad would begin as an orphaned cupbearer and would die a legendary king. After founding the Akkadian empire, Sargon would reform almost every aspect of Mesopotamian society.
John Dee: How Is a Sorcerer Related to the First Public Museum?
The Ashmolean Museum was the first modern museum accessible to the public. Its conception was inspired by Dr. John Dee, the Elizabethan mathematician known as “The Queen’s Conjurer”.
Ishtar and Dumuzi: A Divinely Complicated Marriage
The marriage of Ishtar and Dumuzi was divinely complex and irreplaceably significant to both narratives of these two deities and the social structure of Mesopotamian society.
Olga of Kiev: Pious Saint or Murderous Queen?
Olga of Kiev was canonized centuries after her death for her religious efforts. What she is most well-known for, however, has nothing to do with her saintly deeds.
Goddess Ishtar: The Mesopotamian Goddess of Love, Sex, and War
Ishtar was one of the most prominent Mesopotamian Goddesses. A dualistic deity Babylon with a variety of roles, Ishtar defied conventional categories and her influence extended beyond humanity’s first civilizations.