Originally the fourth in a series of five lectures delivered at Harvard University, this extract is an early attempt to tackle a formidable subject: the religion of ancient Iraq, or Mesopotamia. Noting that sacred writings are nearly universal among religions, Rogers offers a brief exposition on the sacred writings of the ancient Mesopotamians. He divides the material into three broad categories: magical or incantation texts, hymns to the gods, and penitential psalms, exploring each in turn. Engaging and informative, Rogers’ narrative is accessible to the specialist and general reader alike. All subsequent explorations of this subject owe a debt of gratitude to his pioneering study.

Robert William Rogers (1864-1930) earned his Ph.D. at Leipzig University. His teaching career included appointments at Drew Theological Seminary in New Jersey, and Princeton University, where he taught Ancient Oriental Literature. His best know publication is his two-volume A History of Babylonia and Assyria.