The Moon God Sin in Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian Times

Book excerpt: The moon god Nanna/Sin is one of the primary deities in the Sumero-Babylonian pantheon, and, for this reason, has been of interest since the early days of Assyriological research. In addition to the ubiquitous presence of Sin in cuneiform sources, and the crescent moon in Mesopotamian art, scholarly interest in him can be attributed to his prominent role in the context of celestial divination: the lunar omens dominate the sphere of celestial divination in the 1st millennium BCE. Also, the marked interest of the Sargonid kings of Assyria in the ?arranian moon god in the 8th-7th centuries BCE and the veneration of Sin by Nabonidus in the 6th century BCE have received much attention from various scholars. The theological concepts surrounding Sin are by no means limited only to his role as the god of the moon, but he shared numerous abilities and powers with other deities of the Mesopotamian pantheon depending on the context. The sources from the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian periods describe the moon god Sin first and foremost as the moon, a celestial luminary that embodies cosmic order and regulates time, conveys messages about the decisions he or other deities have made, brings stability to the reign of the king, allows people (and animals) to procreate, and afflicts them with epilepsy and skin diseases (but also heals them, if he wills). He is present not only in cult images in and around sanctuaries but also in the night sky, where he unceasingly makes himself manifest from day to day, month to month; the jewel of heavens, surrounded by rejoicing stars. - The present study is subdivided into two main parts: "Theologies of the Moon God in Assyria and Babylonia", characterizing himself and his family and entourage, and "The Cult of Sin in Babylonia and Assyria" on his role in the context of his places of worship and temples. These parts are supplemented by editions of selected texts and extensive indices.