Studies on possession, medicine and demonology in the Ancient Near East: The evidence of Mesopotamian rituals bīt mēseri, saĝ-gig, á-sàg-gig und alan níĝ-saĝ-íl-la

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Claus Ambos
• Subject Area: Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 571808834

The project plans to analyse the cultural history of cuneiform works of ritual and incantation literature known by their Akkadian or Sumerian names bīt mēseri, saĝ-gig, á-sàg-gig and alan níĝ-saĝ-íl-la. By studying these works, the project will make a significant contribution to our knowledge of religion and ritual and the concept of illness and healing in the ancient Near East. The study of demons and protective genii will also be a focal point. The texts to be analysed will not only provide us with information on their characteristics, but also on their iconography, which will be described in great detail. A digital reconstruction of the depictions of the protective genii and gods of the bīt mēseri ritual in their architectural context is also planned. The user can take a three-dimensional digital tour through a reconstructed ideal-typical ancient oriental house and view the inventory of images and figurines that were attached or set up there as part of the ritual performance.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants