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Dead, cult of the
(3,539 words)

[German version]

I. Mesopotamia

The cult of the dead in Mesopotamia is documented in written as well as archaeological sources. In the written sources, the term kispum is used for the act of supplying the dead with food and drink (monthly or bimonthly). An important part of the ritual was the ‘calling of the name’ [3. 163] ─ kispum thus served to ensure not only the existence but also the identity of the dead in the  Underworld. In the absence of the cult of the dead, the Underworld changed in…

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S.LU., von Lieven, Alexandra (Berlin), Prayon, Friedhelm (Tübingen), Johnston, Sarah Iles (Princeton), Doubordieu, Annie (Paris) and Jastrzebowska, Elisabeth, “Dead, cult of the”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e1217740>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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