Ninhursag is the Sumerian Mother Goddess who was known as Mother of the Gods and Mother of Men. She is associated with fertility, nurture, childbirth, creation, and protection of women and children. She is thought to be the inspiration of the Mother Earth figure.

When does Ninhursag first appear in written works?

Ninhursag first appears in Mesopotamian written works in the Early Dynastic I Period (2900-2800 BCE).

How old is Ninhursag?

Evidence suggests Ninhursag, under other names, was worshipped as early as the Ubaid Period (c. 5000-4100 BCE) making her one of the oldest deities.

What other Mother Goddesses is Ninhursag associated with?

Ninhursag is associated with Cybele of Anatolia, Isis of Egypt, Gaia of Greece, the Great Mother of Rome, and the Virgin Mary of Christianity, among others.

Timeline: Ninhursag

Definition

Ninhursag (also Ninhursaga) is the Sumerian Mother Goddess and one of the oldest and most important in the Mesopotamian Pantheon. She is known as the Mother of the Gods and Mother of Men for her part in creating both divine and mortal entities.

More about: Ninhursag

Timeline

c. 4500 BCE
Mother Goddess, precursor to Ninhursag, worshipped in Mesopotamia during Ubaid Period.
c. 2900 BCE - 2700 BCE
Ninhursag first appears in written works during the Early Dynastic Period I in Mesopotamia.
1792 BCE - 1750 BCE
Ninhursag, along with other feminine deities, loses status during the reign of Hammurabi of Babylon.
c. 612 BCE
Ninhursag no longer worshipped in Mesopotamia. .

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