CLICK
MAP OF ANCIENT NIPPUR
1300 BC
Actual size reproduction Babylonian cuneiform clay tablet produced around 1500 BC, inscribed with a city plan of
Nippur, the long-standing sacred city of Sumeria. Discovered during the Hilbrecht excavation of the ruins of ancient
Nippur in 1899, it is now part of the Hilprecht Collection of the Friedrich-Schiller University in Germany.
The tablet displays the principal pyramid-temple Ziggurat of Enlil in its enclosure on the right edge, along with
storehouses, a park and an enclosure of gardens, the river Euphrates, a canal to one side of the city and another
running through the center. The city is surrounded by a wall with seven large gates, their names written beside them.
Measurements are given for several of the structures in twelve ‘cubit’ units (approx six meters.) Comparisons with aerial
surveys indicates the map was drawn to perfect scale. As such, the tablet is considered the earliest known map drawn to
scale.
“The importance of the Mesopotamian sacred city, Nippur is reflected even today in the great size of the mound, Nuffar,
located between Baghdad and Basra in southern Iraq. Nippur was one of the longest-lived sites, beginning in the
prehistoric Ubaid Period (5000 B C ) and lasting until about A.D 800, into the Islamic era.” (Gibson 1992).
1300 BC
Actual size reproduction Babylonian cuneiform clay tablet produced around 1500 BC, inscribed with a city plan of
Nippur, the long-standing sacred city of Sumeria. Discovered during the Hilbrecht excavation of the ruins of ancient
Nippur in 1899, it is now part of the Hilprecht Collection of the Friedrich-Schiller University in Germany.
The tablet displays the principal pyramid-temple Ziggurat of Enlil in its enclosure on the right edge, along with
storehouses, a park and an enclosure of gardens, the river Euphrates, a canal to one side of the city and another
running through the center. The city is surrounded by a wall with seven large gates, their names written beside them.
Measurements are given for several of the structures in twelve ‘cubit’ units (approx six meters.) Comparisons with aerial
surveys indicates the map was drawn to perfect scale. As such, the tablet is considered the earliest known map drawn to
scale.
“The importance of the Mesopotamian sacred city, Nippur is reflected even today in the great size of the mound, Nuffar,
located between Baghdad and Basra in southern Iraq. Nippur was one of the longest-lived sites, beginning in the
prehistoric Ubaid Period (5000 B C ) and lasting until about A.D 800, into the Islamic era.” (Gibson 1992).
AHURA MAZDA
500 BC
The famous flying god the Persians called "Ahura Mazda," reproduced from the ruins of ancient Persepolis in Iran.
King Darius constructed the Persepolis complex in 518 BC. Well versed in cuneiform and the old Sumerian epics, Darius
sought to establish unbroken lineage with the ancient historical kings and their sacred myths.
The winged god superimposed on the solar disk began appearing on Babylonian seals and reliefs after the Assyrians
became involved with the Egyptians, persisting well into the Persian period. It is believed to have evolved from the very
ancient Egyptian BA BIRD, symbol of the ascended or resurrected soul. In later times it became directly associated with
divinity.
500 BC
The famous flying god the Persians called "Ahura Mazda," reproduced from the ruins of ancient Persepolis in Iran.
King Darius constructed the Persepolis complex in 518 BC. Well versed in cuneiform and the old Sumerian epics, Darius
sought to establish unbroken lineage with the ancient historical kings and their sacred myths.
The winged god superimposed on the solar disk began appearing on Babylonian seals and reliefs after the Assyrians
became involved with the Egyptians, persisting well into the Persian period. It is believed to have evolved from the very
ancient Egyptian BA BIRD, symbol of the ascended or resurrected soul. In later times it became directly associated with
divinity.
CALENDAR OF THE CREATION"
720 BC Assyrian copy of 5,500 BC Sumerian Astrolable tablet
Historical reproduction of ancient Astrolabe known as the "Calendar of the Creation." It was recovered during the 19th
century from the buried Nineveh Library of Assyrian king Ashurbanipal. The tablet is named after the Sumerian Creation
Epic (Enuma Elish) description of the Astrolabe as "the calendar set in motion by Marduk himself whilst creating the
universe. "
The disc is inscribed with the Old Sumerian names for months, names of key stars and measurements. Although it dates
from the reign of Sargon II (720-704 BC,) it is considered a scribal copy from a much earlier period, accurately recording
astronomical data from 5,500 BC. The astronomical information correlates with other well known cuneiform texts
amongst which it is the most important.
It represents an actual map of the sky in 5,500 BC, showing which three stars/constellations rise heliacally (first morning
appearance after conjunction with the sun) every month over three sectors of the eastern horizon called ‘paths.’ The
position of a given star in the sky over the eastern horizon is revealed by it’s ‘path.’
Mesopotamian life was based on the 360 day ‘perfect year’ as defined by the astrolabe.
720 BC Assyrian copy of 5,500 BC Sumerian Astrolable tablet
Historical reproduction of ancient Astrolabe known as the "Calendar of the Creation." It was recovered during the 19th
century from the buried Nineveh Library of Assyrian king Ashurbanipal. The tablet is named after the Sumerian Creation
Epic (Enuma Elish) description of the Astrolabe as "the calendar set in motion by Marduk himself whilst creating the
universe. "
The disc is inscribed with the Old Sumerian names for months, names of key stars and measurements. Although it dates
from the reign of Sargon II (720-704 BC,) it is considered a scribal copy from a much earlier period, accurately recording
astronomical data from 5,500 BC. The astronomical information correlates with other well known cuneiform texts
amongst which it is the most important.
It represents an actual map of the sky in 5,500 BC, showing which three stars/constellations rise heliacally (first morning
appearance after conjunction with the sun) every month over three sectors of the eastern horizon called ‘paths.’ The
position of a given star in the sky over the eastern horizon is revealed by it’s ‘path.’
Mesopotamian life was based on the 360 day ‘perfect year’ as defined by the astrolabe.
"ADAM & EVE" SEAL
2200 BC
a well-known museum piece 2200 BC Sumerian seal tablet excavated from Iraq in 1846.
Originally believed to be a depiction of Adam and Eve tempted by the serpent, it achieved remarkable notoriety in Britain
during the 19th century as the "Adam and Eve Seal," even referred to as the "Temptation Seal" by some and was
popularly viewed as validation of biblical accounts.
A century later, museum scholars determined it to be one of the earliest historical images of the Tree Of Life, timeless
Mesopotamian symbol of earthly creation. This type of seal design, with simple stylistic figures, emerged during the
cultural breakdown of the post-Akkadian period and survived into early UR III dynastic times.
2200 BC
a well-known museum piece 2200 BC Sumerian seal tablet excavated from Iraq in 1846.
Originally believed to be a depiction of Adam and Eve tempted by the serpent, it achieved remarkable notoriety in Britain
during the 19th century as the "Adam and Eve Seal," even referred to as the "Temptation Seal" by some and was
popularly viewed as validation of biblical accounts.
A century later, museum scholars determined it to be one of the earliest historical images of the Tree Of Life, timeless
Mesopotamian symbol of earthly creation. This type of seal design, with simple stylistic figures, emerged during the
cultural breakdown of the post-Akkadian period and survived into early UR III dynastic times.
EA-ENKI
SUMERIAN GOD
2300 BC
Stylistic representation of the ancient Mesopotamian god Enki, which literally means "Lord of Earth." He was called Ea in
Akkadian and also known under the names Ninšiku or Nudimmud. He sits before the terrestrial Tree Of Life and holds a
bird in his hands, ancient representation of the Phoenix, symbol of the regeneration of Nature.
SUMERIAN GOD
2300 BC
Stylistic representation of the ancient Mesopotamian god Enki, which literally means "Lord of Earth." He was called Ea in
Akkadian and also known under the names Ninšiku or Nudimmud. He sits before the terrestrial Tree Of Life and holds a
bird in his hands, ancient representation of the Phoenix, symbol of the regeneration of Nature.
BABYLONIAN WORLD MAP
British Museum cuneiform tablet (BM 92687) discovered in the late 19th century at Sippar in southern Iraq.
Known amongst scholars as the “Mappa Mundi,” the tablet records the only known world map dating as far back as the
Neo-Babylonian Period. It schematically depicts a bird's-eye view of the world, showing the world as round with Babylon
at the centre.
The tablet is believed to have been fashioned in Babylon during the Persian Period, circa 500 BC. Terms and
references in the text indicate it to be a scribal copy of an earlier text dating to the Sargonid Period, late eighth century
BC. It records both cuneiform text and a map oriented to the north-west. As center of the known world, Babylon is
pictured in the middle. Assyria, Elam, Armenia and other places are named.
TABLET DETAILS:
The central area is ringed by a circular waterway labelled 'Bitter River,' loosely translated as 'Sea of Salt.' The outer rim
of this body of water is surrounded by what were originally eight regions, each indicated by a triangle and labelled as
distinct land masses under the title 'Island,' as well as being inscribed with the distance between them. The outer regions
are depicted as triangles, exactly as land actually appears when approached by sea. Although the cuneiform text is no
longer complete, legible sections describe the different regions, including the "strange mythic beasts" and "great
heroes" who abide there.
British Museum cuneiform tablet (BM 92687) discovered in the late 19th century at Sippar in southern Iraq.
Known amongst scholars as the “Mappa Mundi,” the tablet records the only known world map dating as far back as the
Neo-Babylonian Period. It schematically depicts a bird's-eye view of the world, showing the world as round with Babylon
at the centre.
The tablet is believed to have been fashioned in Babylon during the Persian Period, circa 500 BC. Terms and
references in the text indicate it to be a scribal copy of an earlier text dating to the Sargonid Period, late eighth century
BC. It records both cuneiform text and a map oriented to the north-west. As center of the known world, Babylon is
pictured in the middle. Assyria, Elam, Armenia and other places are named.
TABLET DETAILS:
The central area is ringed by a circular waterway labelled 'Bitter River,' loosely translated as 'Sea of Salt.' The outer rim
of this body of water is surrounded by what were originally eight regions, each indicated by a triangle and labelled as
distinct land masses under the title 'Island,' as well as being inscribed with the distance between them. The outer regions
are depicted as triangles, exactly as land actually appears when approached by sea. Although the cuneiform text is no
longer complete, legible sections describe the different regions, including the "strange mythic beasts" and "great
heroes" who abide there.
EARLY DYNASTIC SUMERIAN KING
Mari 2600 BC
During the Sumerian Early Dynastic Period (2900-2350 BC) life in ancient Mesopotamia was centered on spiritual
worship. Access to the inner sanctum of the temples was limited to the priests and so it became customary for people to
commission statues to represent them before the Deity.
Typically made of gypsum or limestone, such "proxy worshippers" have been recovered from temple ruins throughout
Mesopotamia. The most commonly found are the small standing statues of the typical middle class citizen. The larger
seated figures with their elegant beards usually represent royalty or those connected to it.
Originally with blue turquoise inlay for the eyes, the statue provides a unique glimpse of the original people who
inhabited ancient Sumeria before the Akkadian-Assyrian invasions.
Mari 2600 BC
During the Sumerian Early Dynastic Period (2900-2350 BC) life in ancient Mesopotamia was centered on spiritual
worship. Access to the inner sanctum of the temples was limited to the priests and so it became customary for people to
commission statues to represent them before the Deity.
Typically made of gypsum or limestone, such "proxy worshippers" have been recovered from temple ruins throughout
Mesopotamia. The most commonly found are the small standing statues of the typical middle class citizen. The larger
seated figures with their elegant beards usually represent royalty or those connected to it.
Originally with blue turquoise inlay for the eyes, the statue provides a unique glimpse of the original people who
inhabited ancient Sumeria before the Akkadian-Assyrian invasions.
PRE-SUMERIAN SERPENT GODDESS
Ubaid Culture 6,000 BC
West of the famed Sumerian city of UR, the figurine was excavated from the megalithic burial mounds of Tell Al’Ubaid. It
is dated to between 5,500 and 6,000 BC, around the time of the historical Great Flood. The numerous figurines found
there predate ancient Sumerian culture by a few thousand years.
With their strangely elongated heads, almond eyes and lizard-like noses, the Serpent Deities of Ubaid have greatly
perplexed historians and archaeologists who, naturally enough, surmise a “Serpent Cult” back in the day. Oil and venom
from snakes represented the ‘wonder drug’ of the ancient world and served as the basis for many medications.
Reverence for serpents interpenetrated Mesopotamian culture right up to Babylonian times.
Touching a nerve in early 20th century Biblical scholars, the reptilian figures caused significant controversy and were
considered to have “pagan-satanic” origins. In modern times, the wildest theories speculate they are disturbing evidence
of alien encounters with early humanity. Needless to say, both can be forgiven for getting a little excited.
Ubaid Culture 6,000 BC
West of the famed Sumerian city of UR, the figurine was excavated from the megalithic burial mounds of Tell Al’Ubaid. It
is dated to between 5,500 and 6,000 BC, around the time of the historical Great Flood. The numerous figurines found
there predate ancient Sumerian culture by a few thousand years.
With their strangely elongated heads, almond eyes and lizard-like noses, the Serpent Deities of Ubaid have greatly
perplexed historians and archaeologists who, naturally enough, surmise a “Serpent Cult” back in the day. Oil and venom
from snakes represented the ‘wonder drug’ of the ancient world and served as the basis for many medications.
Reverence for serpents interpenetrated Mesopotamian culture right up to Babylonian times.
Touching a nerve in early 20th century Biblical scholars, the reptilian figures caused significant controversy and were
considered to have “pagan-satanic” origins. In modern times, the wildest theories speculate they are disturbing evidence
of alien encounters with early humanity. Needless to say, both can be forgiven for getting a little excited.
SUMERIAN
TEMPLE WORSHIPPER
During the Sumerian Early Dynastic Period (2900-2350 BC) life in ancient Mesopotamia was centered on spiritual
worship. However, access to the inner sanctum of the temple was limited to priests or priestesses. Thus, the citizens
adopted the curious custom of commissioning statues to represent them before the altar.
Usually carved from limestone or steatite, hundreds of these statues have been found beneath Sumerian temple ruins.
They represent one of the few artefacts that clearly depict the Sumerian people of 5,000 years ago. Bearing remarkable
resemblance to modern day Turks and Latvians, the eyes were always blue, typically inlaid with lapis-lazuli.
TEMPLE WORSHIPPER
During the Sumerian Early Dynastic Period (2900-2350 BC) life in ancient Mesopotamia was centered on spiritual
worship. However, access to the inner sanctum of the temple was limited to priests or priestesses. Thus, the citizens
adopted the curious custom of commissioning statues to represent them before the altar.
Usually carved from limestone or steatite, hundreds of these statues have been found beneath Sumerian temple ruins.
They represent one of the few artefacts that clearly depict the Sumerian people of 5,000 years ago. Bearing remarkable
resemblance to modern day Turks and Latvians, the eyes were always blue, typically inlaid with lapis-lazuli.
Sumerian myth describes the earth god Ea-Enki (Oannes) emerging from the sea after the Great Flood. He is often
depicted in a post-deluge "fish suit," with a large fish draped over his head in graphic reference to the time he spent as
"King of the Sea Depths." He traditionally carries a small satchel containing the Tablets of Destiny, which "control the
balance of things."
The Earth God's fish cowl was adopted by Babylonian high priests in memory of civilisation recommencing after the
Great Flood. It is can still be seen in the fish-shaped headdress of modern-day popes and bishops.
depicted in a post-deluge "fish suit," with a large fish draped over his head in graphic reference to the time he spent as
"King of the Sea Depths." He traditionally carries a small satchel containing the Tablets of Destiny, which "control the
balance of things."
The Earth God's fish cowl was adopted by Babylonian high priests in memory of civilisation recommencing after the
Great Flood. It is can still be seen in the fish-shaped headdress of modern-day popes and bishops.
PAZUZU
Demon Protector of Temples & Churches
Black stone statue, quartzite-limestone (not plastic), 8 inches tall (20 cm), 5.25 inches width (13 cm), 2 inches depth (5
cm), stand-up or wall statue (with inset hanging chain) & description.
Reproduction of the ancient Sumerian Tomb Guardian Pazuzu, elemental "Storm Demon" of wind and pestilence. As
archetypal monster, he incorporates a composite of astrological characteristics and is portrayed with horns, serpentine
face, wings of an eagle, the legs and paws of a lion and scorpion tail.
Pazuzu is the oldest of all Demons, first to appear in the historical record and responsible for a plethora of demons,
devils and genies in the religious traditions that followed.
BACK STORY:
As personification of the "evil wind that brings pestilence," Pazuzu is one of the mythic Sumerian "Seven Demons"
dispatched upon a hapless earth by the celestial Dragon-Goddess, Tiamat, during her epic battle with the solar deity
Marduk. However, Pazuzu achieved heroic status for stealing the "Tablets of Destiny" (which control the "balance of
things") from the evil Dragon-Goddess and restoring them to the Sun God.
According to the old Sumerian Chronicles, the "Seven Demons" represent the elemental forces which assaulted the
world during the terrible cataclysm attending the Great Flood. In later history, these seven archetypal demons are
transmuted into the fearsome Nephillim, the Greek Furies and even the famous Seven Angels of Wrath in Biblical
Revelations.
Because tradition held that Pazuzu once opposed a powerful demon goddess, icons of Pazuzu were used for warding off
all evil forces. Until late Babylonian times, Pazuzu was worn as a Protective Amulet, set upon household shelves and
placed next to sleeping children to guard them from Lamashtu, a female demon who preys on babies and mothers.
Statuettes left to guard the dead conferred a relative immortality on the benevolent demon who is still found in ancient
tombs to this day. Pazuzu’s protective presence on the eaves of ancient temples is still echoed today by the misshapen
winged gargoyles clutching the rooftops of Medieval churches and Gothic buildings.
Demon Protector of Temples & Churches
Black stone statue, quartzite-limestone (not plastic), 8 inches tall (20 cm), 5.25 inches width (13 cm), 2 inches depth (5
cm), stand-up or wall statue (with inset hanging chain) & description.
Reproduction of the ancient Sumerian Tomb Guardian Pazuzu, elemental "Storm Demon" of wind and pestilence. As
archetypal monster, he incorporates a composite of astrological characteristics and is portrayed with horns, serpentine
face, wings of an eagle, the legs and paws of a lion and scorpion tail.
Pazuzu is the oldest of all Demons, first to appear in the historical record and responsible for a plethora of demons,
devils and genies in the religious traditions that followed.
BACK STORY:
As personification of the "evil wind that brings pestilence," Pazuzu is one of the mythic Sumerian "Seven Demons"
dispatched upon a hapless earth by the celestial Dragon-Goddess, Tiamat, during her epic battle with the solar deity
Marduk. However, Pazuzu achieved heroic status for stealing the "Tablets of Destiny" (which control the "balance of
things") from the evil Dragon-Goddess and restoring them to the Sun God.
According to the old Sumerian Chronicles, the "Seven Demons" represent the elemental forces which assaulted the
world during the terrible cataclysm attending the Great Flood. In later history, these seven archetypal demons are
transmuted into the fearsome Nephillim, the Greek Furies and even the famous Seven Angels of Wrath in Biblical
Revelations.
Because tradition held that Pazuzu once opposed a powerful demon goddess, icons of Pazuzu were used for warding off
all evil forces. Until late Babylonian times, Pazuzu was worn as a Protective Amulet, set upon household shelves and
placed next to sleeping children to guard them from Lamashtu, a female demon who preys on babies and mothers.
Statuettes left to guard the dead conferred a relative immortality on the benevolent demon who is still found in ancient
tombs to this day. Pazuzu’s protective presence on the eaves of ancient temples is still echoed today by the misshapen
winged gargoyles clutching the rooftops of Medieval churches and Gothic buildings.
ENKI
Sumerian Deity
2300 BC
Wearing characteristic Sumerian fringed robe and royal turban with the tiered crown of a king, the plaque is an Early
Dynastic representation of the Sumerian creator God ENKI, "Lord of Earth."
ENKI was acknowledged across ancient Mesopotamia as the universal deity responsible for crop fertility, weather and
the powers of Destiny. Votive effigies like this one could be found in nearly every farm house and village.
BACK-STORY:
Enki's emblem is two docile serpents to represent the life-force and the energies of nature. Often entwined on a staff,
the serpents became associated with the practice of magic and healing. Similar to Thoth in Egypt, Enki was also
venerated as the Lord of Magic. In the mythic tales, Enki achieves heroic status by taking sides with humankind and
saving them from the complete destruction of the Great Flood. Defying the star gods, Enki informs the Sumerian
equivalent of Noah, Ziusudra-Utnapishtim, about the coming flood and instructs him to build a boat to survive.
In emulation of Enki's pet serpents, snake-charming magicians became a phenomenon unique to Babylon. Healing
spells and methods of divination involving snakes appear on many of their tablets. (Note: Enki's earth-serpents are not
to be confused with the celestial Dragon-Serpent Tiamet, the notorious "bad guy" of ancient mythology.)
Sumerian Deity
2300 BC
Wearing characteristic Sumerian fringed robe and royal turban with the tiered crown of a king, the plaque is an Early
Dynastic representation of the Sumerian creator God ENKI, "Lord of Earth."
ENKI was acknowledged across ancient Mesopotamia as the universal deity responsible for crop fertility, weather and
the powers of Destiny. Votive effigies like this one could be found in nearly every farm house and village.
BACK-STORY:
Enki's emblem is two docile serpents to represent the life-force and the energies of nature. Often entwined on a staff,
the serpents became associated with the practice of magic and healing. Similar to Thoth in Egypt, Enki was also
venerated as the Lord of Magic. In the mythic tales, Enki achieves heroic status by taking sides with humankind and
saving them from the complete destruction of the Great Flood. Defying the star gods, Enki informs the Sumerian
equivalent of Noah, Ziusudra-Utnapishtim, about the coming flood and instructs him to build a boat to survive.
In emulation of Enki's pet serpents, snake-charming magicians became a phenomenon unique to Babylon. Healing
spells and methods of divination involving snakes appear on many of their tablets. (Note: Enki's earth-serpents are not
to be confused with the celestial Dragon-Serpent Tiamet, the notorious "bad guy" of ancient mythology.)
THE 'WATCHERS'
OF GOBEKLI TEPE
10,000 BC figurine from the world's oldest temple
Stone statue, quartzite-limestone figurine excavated from the ruins of Gobekli Tepe in Anatolia, south-eastern Turkey &
currently displayed in Instanbul Archaeological Museum.
Believed to be around 11,000 years old and predating Stonehenge & ancient Sumeria by around 6,000 years, the
Gobekli Tepe astrological temple in Anatolia is one of the oldest archaeological excavation sites in the world and source
of some of the strangest artefacts.
In particular, statues of figures in priest-like garments with oddly elongated heads.
Ancient mystery writers believe the Gobekli Tepe statues depict the legendary "ancient teachers" responsible for
introducing civilisation to early humanity. Author Andrew Colins relates them to the Nephilim, the mysterious "Watchers"
described in the ex-Biblical Book of Enoch who "knew the secret arts of heaven and introduced them to the world of
men."
While some observers consider them possible evidence of alien visitation, anthropologists raise the very interesting
possibility of an ancient humanoid race who coexisted with early humans
OF GOBEKLI TEPE
10,000 BC figurine from the world's oldest temple
Stone statue, quartzite-limestone figurine excavated from the ruins of Gobekli Tepe in Anatolia, south-eastern Turkey &
currently displayed in Instanbul Archaeological Museum.
Believed to be around 11,000 years old and predating Stonehenge & ancient Sumeria by around 6,000 years, the
Gobekli Tepe astrological temple in Anatolia is one of the oldest archaeological excavation sites in the world and source
of some of the strangest artefacts.
In particular, statues of figures in priest-like garments with oddly elongated heads.
Ancient mystery writers believe the Gobekli Tepe statues depict the legendary "ancient teachers" responsible for
introducing civilisation to early humanity. Author Andrew Colins relates them to the Nephilim, the mysterious "Watchers"
described in the ex-Biblical Book of Enoch who "knew the secret arts of heaven and introduced them to the world of
men."
While some observers consider them possible evidence of alien visitation, anthropologists raise the very interesting
possibility of an ancient humanoid race who coexisted with early humans