---
title: Sumerian Hymn to Ishtar
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6972/sumerian-hymn-to-ishtar/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Sumerian Hymn to Ishtar

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

## Image File

[![Sumerian Hymn to Ishtar](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/6972.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/6972.jpg)

## Image Caption

This hymn to the goddess [Ishtar](https://www.worldhistory.org/ishtar/) is written in [Sumerian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sumerians/); after every line in Sumerian, the text is translated in [Akkadian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/akkadian/). Such translations have been invaluable to modern scholars. They reflect how the [Sumerian language](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sumerian_Language/) had become difficult to understand in antiquity. This example also gives a rare idea of how tablets for the Royal Library appeared when just completed in the chancery. The tablet is complete and contains 80 lines of inscriptions. Neo-Assyrian Period, reign of [Ashurbanipal](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ashurbanipal/) II, 7th century BCE. From the [Library of Ashurbanipal](https://www.worldhistory.org/Library_of_Ashurbanipal/) II at [Nineveh](https://www.worldhistory.org/nineveh/) (Kouyunjik), [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), modern-day Iraq. (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. (2017, September 01). Sumerian Hymn to Ishtar. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6972/sumerian-hymn-to-ishtar/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Sumerian Hymn to Ishtar." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 01, 2017. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6972/sumerian-hymn-to-ishtar/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Sumerian Hymn to Ishtar." *World History Encyclopedia*, 01 Sep 2017, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/6972/sumerian-hymn-to-ishtar/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 01 September 2017. 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.