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

When was Gula worshipped?

Gula was worshipped from at least c. 2047 BCE through the first millennium CE.

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.

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.

Gula

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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 (2047-1750 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. 2047 BCE - c. 1750 BCE
Gula first attested to during the Ur III Period in Mesopotamian History.
2000 BCE - 1600 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.
1125 BCE - 1104 BCE
Gula invoked in curse on memorial tablet from the reign of King Nebuchadnezar I of Babylon.