---
title: Ishtar's Descent into the Underworld Inscription
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3130/ishtars-descent-into-the-underworld-inscription/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Ishtar's Descent into the Underworld Inscription

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Ishtar's Descent into the Underworld Inscription](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/3130.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/3130.jpg)

## Image Caption

This large and partially broken clay tablet tells us how [Ishtar](https://www.worldhistory.org/ishtar/), goddess of love and [war](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/), decided to descend and enter the underworld. During her long journey, she was gradually stripped of her attributes, therefore, she lost all of her divine powers. She was pronounced dead by [Ereshkigal](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ereshkigal/), the queen of the underworld. Ea, [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) of wisdom, eventually intervened and resurrected Ishtar. The story had a [Sumerian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sumerians/) origin but the text was written in [Akkadian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/akkadian/). From the [library of Ashurbanipal](https://www.worldhistory.org/Library_of_Ashurbanipal/) at [Nineveh](https://www.worldhistory.org/nineveh/) (modern-day Ninawa Governorate, Iraq), northern [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/). Neo-Assyrian period, 7th century BCE. (The British Museum, London).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2014, October 13). Ishtar's Descent into the Underworld Inscription. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3130/ishtars-descent-into-the-underworld-inscription/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Ishtar's Descent into the Underworld Inscription." *World History Encyclopedia*, October 13, 2014. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3130/ishtars-descent-into-the-underworld-inscription/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Ishtar's Descent into the Underworld Inscription." *World History Encyclopedia*, 13 Oct 2014, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/3130/ishtars-descent-into-the-underworld-inscription/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 13 October 2014. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.