Gula: The Sumerian Goddess of Doctors and the Healing Arts

Q: Who was Gula?

Gula was the Sumerian goddess of healing, medical arts, and the patron deity of healers.

Q: When was Gula worshipped?

Gula was worshipped from at least c. 2112 BCE through the first millennium.

Q: How was Gula worshipped?

Gula was worshipped like any other Mesopotamian deity: people brought sacrifices to the temple, and the priests would intercede for them with whatever god could be of most service. People also worshipped in the home at private shrines.

Q: What animal was associated with Gula?

The dog is the animal most closely associated with Gula because the dog was thought to have healing and protective powers.

Joshua J. Mark

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Definition

Gula (also known as Ninkarrak) is the Sumerian goddess of healing and patroness of doctors, healing arts, and medical practices. She is first attested to in the Ur III period (circa 2112 to circa 2004 BCE), where she is referenced as a great goddess of health and well-being. She was among the most popular deities of ancient Mesopotamia.

More about: Gula

Timeline

c. 2112 BCE - c. 2004 BCE
Gula first attested to during the Ur III Period in Mesopotamian History.
c. 1894 BCE - 1595 BCE
Older dog goddess Bau becomes healing goddess Gula during the Old Babylonian Period in Mesopotamia.
1792 BCE - 1750 BCE
Female deities in Mesopotamia decline in status during the reign of Amorite king Hammurabi of Babylon; but not Gula.
1121 BCE - 1100 BCE
Gula invoked in curse on memorial tablet from the reign of King Nebuchadnezar I of Babylon.