2019/06/17 by Manuela Perl, Perl, Manuela
Arts and Humanities · #Ancient Near East History
paper · doi:10.15203/historia7scribere.11.831
openalex publication_date 2019/06/17 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
This paper discusses the ancient Mesopotamian phenomenon of demons as „pathogens“, taking for example the so-called Muššu᾿u manual, which contains Sumerian as well as Akkadian incantations. The oldest texts contained therein date back to the first millennium BC, the youngest to the fourth century BC. Based on these incantations, it will be clarified which demons are mentioned by name and what kind of knowledge the texts reveal about demonic beings.