Marduk was the Babylonian King of the Gods who presided over justice, compassion, healing, regeneration, magic, and fairness.

Why was Marduk important?

Marduk defeated the forces of chaos and created order. He also created the first humans and decreed the proper function of human life. In Babylon, his presence (in the form of his statue) was considered necessary for the city's security, prosperity, and succession of kings.

Where is the story of Marduk's victory over chaos found?

Marduk's victory over chaos is detailed in the Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation story.

What happened to Marduk?

Worship of Marduk declined after Alexander the Great's death in 323 BCE as Babylon lost its former prestige.

Marduk

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Definition

Marduk was the patron god of Babylon who presided over justice, compassion, healing, regeneration, magic, and fairness, although he is also sometimes referenced as a storm god and agricultural deity. His temple, the famous ziggurat described by Herodotus, is considered the model for the biblical Tower of Babel.

More about: Marduk

Timeline

1792 BCE - 1750 BCE
Marduk ascends as the most powerful god during the reign of King Hammurabi of Babylon.
c. 1700 BCE
Composition of the Ludlul-bel-Nemeqi text referencing Marduk.
1125 BCE - 1104 BCE
Statue of Marduk returned to Babylon during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar I.
c. 800 BCE
Composition of The Wrath of Erra featuring Marduk.