Search Results

Lasers are optical amplifications based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. It creates a highly focused, powerful beam of light with many applications from printing to space exploration. Lasercom: Laser Communication in Space Earth Communication: Satellites, Spacecraft & Astronauts Clean Rooms: Science & Technology The acronym LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. While ordinary light sources emit light randomly in all directions, a laser concentrates light into a narrow intense beam. Lasers produce coherent light. Light waves are uniform, traveling in a straight direction with the same frequency and phase. Types of Lasers Lasers are classified based on their gain mediums and applications. Solid-State Lasers These lasers use solid materials as gain mediums. For example, a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser is preferred for surgeries and manufacturing due to high power output and versatility. Doping is the addition of elements or impurities to alter the state or properties of other materials. Neodymium, a rare earth element , is a common doping agent or dopant for laser production. How Spacecraft Avoid Burning Up on Reentry Nanorobots: Micro Robotic Tech, Ecology, Health Silica, Silicon & Silicone: Differences & Similarities Gas Lasers Gas lasers use a mixture of gases. A well-known type is the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser for cutting, welding, and engraving materials. These lasers can deliver power outputs to several kilowatts. Semiconductor Lasers Commonly known as laser diodes, these are small and efficient, used in devices such as DVD players and barcode scanners. They can be made compact and mass-produced. Fiber Lasers Using optical fibers as the gain medium, fiber lasers are known for their efficiency and versatility. They're favored in telecommunications and medical technology, and make precise and high-quality cuts. FSO: Wireless Transmission By Light Beam Make an AI for Stock Market Analysis & Prediction Spacecraft Graveyard of the South Pacific Laser grid mapping Laser Components Gain Medium (Active Medium) This is solid, liquid, or gas. Its atoms, molecules, or ions can be excited to higher energy levels. Here light is amplified. When energy is added to the gain medium, its atoms are energized. In solid-state lasers, crystals like ruby or neodymium-doped glass are used, producing red or infrared laser light. When the excited atoms return to their normal state, they release energy as light. The color and wavelength depend on the type of gain medium. Helium-neon lasers produce red light. Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers emit infrared. Human Microchip Implants: Pros & Cons How Solar Panels Work Zinc (Zn): Technology, Nature & Health Infrared isn't visible. It detects heat, allowing snakes to "see" through walls The Pump To make light, the gain medium needs an external energy source. Energy can be supplied by electrical currents, another laser's light or chemical reactions. CO2 lasers generally use electrical methods for pumping. The type of pump depends on the gain medium. Optical Pumping: Using intense light from flash lamps or other lasers. Electrical Pumping: Applying an electrical current, as in semiconductor lasers. Chemical Pumping: Using chemical reactions to excite the medium. Optical Resonator (Mirrors): This consists of two mirrors placed at either end of the gain medium. One mirror is highly reflective while the other is partially reflective, allowing a controlled fraction of the light to escape. This creates a feedback loop to amplify the light. Space Debris: Coping with Dangerous Junk Electric Vehicles (EVs): Creation & Operation Carbon Dioxide (CO2): the Good & the Bad glass nanoparticle suspended in optical cavity Stimulated Emission Excitation: The energy pump excites the gain medium's particles, causing them to jump to higher, unstable energy levels. This process is called population inversion because normally, most particles are in their lower energy state. Spontaneous Emission: Some excited particles will spontaneously decay back to their lower energy level, releasing a photon (particle of light) in a random direction. Stimulated Emission: If a photon of the correct wavelength encounters an excited particle, it stimulates the particle to decay back to its lower energy level. Stimulated decay releases another photon identical to the original photon. Amplification and Coherence: The photons bouncing back and forth between the mirrors repeatedly stimulate more emission, exponentially increasing the light intensity. Because the stimulated photons are identical to the original photons, the resulting light is coherent. All the light waves are in phase, creating a well-defined beam. Magnetic Fields & Space Travel Super Alloys in Space Exploration Lithium Ion Batteries on Earth & in Space The photons continue to bounce between the mirrors of the optical cavity, creating more stimulated emissions. The amplification continues until there are enough photons to generate a strong beam of laser light. Output: Once a sufficient number of photons are produced, they escape through the partially reflective mirror. This produces the narrow, focused beam characteristic of lasers. Uses Medicine: Precise surgeries, laser eye correction, dermatological treatments. Lasers enable LASIK eye surgery and skin resurfacing. Industry: In manufacturing, lasers are favored for cutting, welding, and engraving. Their can create intricate designs to improve production quality and reduce waste. Telecommunications: Lasers are used in fiber-optic communications. Data can be transmitted over long distances at up to 100 gigabits per second. Science: Spectroscopy, microscopy, laser-induced fusion. Weapons: Laser weapons include Singapore's Iron Beam; anti-drone systems and the now defunct US/Israeli laser used to shoot down rockets and artillery shells. In warfare lasers are used in mapping and targeting. Consumer Electronics: DVD players, laser pointers, barcode scanners, concert light shows and high definition visuals from laser projectors are just some of their current uses. Bioremediation: Organic Cleanup of Toxins Nine Countries with Nuclear Weapons How Astronauts Breathe in Space Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Scam centers in SE Asia are a growing concern. These massive professional operations pull in money through financial frauds and criminal services. Scammers are kidnaped and recruited through luring and human trafficking. Water Pollution: Eight Countries in Crisis Myanmar (Burma): Beauty & Brutality Oil Wars: A Global Power Play Scam center in Shwe Kokko, Myanmar. While the earthquake of March 28, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, has since demolished regions in Myanmar and Thailand including Mae Sot, many other scam centers continue to operate in similar ways. The internet is fertile ground for scams. A blend of tech sophistication and brutal human trafficking, most scam centers, scam cities or scam farms operate in Southeast Asia, such as in Cambodia and Myanmar. Territorially the area is part of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The GMS begins as a huge project in 1992 by the Asian Development Bank. It brings together six Asian countries. These are Cambodia, China (Yunnan Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Many are locations and recruitment spots for scam centers. Scam centers are modern-day slavery compounds. Victims are forced to participate in elaborate schemes. Also called fraud factories, fraud parks, or scam compounds, they're often run by criminal gangs from China. Houthi War in Yemen: Politics & Motivations Regions of Extreme Heat: The Future is Now Nine Countries with Nuclear Weapons Greater Mekong Subregion Known scam farms are common in many parts of the Philippines and across SE Asia. Large-scale organizations of enclosed compounds, they run 24 hours a day targeting victims throughout the world. Scam compounds include the buildings people work, cafeterias, dorms and sometimes a pretense at recreational facilities. Victims are often lured to scam centers with promises of legitimate job opportunities. They find themselves trapped. In Cambodia alone, authorities have shut down over 20 scam centers in the last year. New ones continue to emerge. Hopeful immigrants are told they've been given jobs and a place to live, they owe the organization for its help and should be grateful. They're trapped in long hours of work scamming others, with quotas and punishment hanging over their heads. Buddhist Violence in Rakhine State Myanmar China: Politics, Economy, Military & Modern Life Extreme Heat: Effects on Infrastructure The same psychology is used in Asian prostitution rings, where women must "work off" money supposedly owed their captors for helping them emigrate from their countries. It's never enough. Luring & Trafficking Recruitment of foreign nationals is often by deceptive job ads promising lucrative opportunities in areas like IT or customer service. With regions like Myanmar in constant conflict, desperate refugees flee to already crowded neighboring countries. Many can be picked up with false promises of help. People may be lured from other countries. They arrive from places like Ethiopia, Kenya, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Air Pollution: Science, Health & Economy Bioremediation: Organic Cleanup of Toxins Robot Manufacture & Environmental Health Many come from dire poverty, making them especially vulnerable to traffickers as the refugees seek opportunities to improve their lives. They're then trafficked to the scam hubs. Upon arrival, their passports are immediately confiscated, trapping them within the compound. At first it doesn't look so bad. The compound meets all their needs and may even have karaoke bars and barbershops. The truth hits hard. Forced Labor & Coercion The urban center of Mae Sot in Thailand, on the Myanmar border, is known for trade in gems and teak. It's notorious for black market services such as human trafficking and illegal drugs. Many scam center workers come through here. They're forced to labor long hours under constant surveillance, often with little or no pay. The threat of violence, imprisonment, and other forms of abuse is ever-present. Effects of Extreme Heat on the Human Body Irrigation in History: Greening of the Land Russo-Ukrainian War: Motives, Propaganda & Technology beatings are common Threats include organ harvesting or forced prostitution if the workers don’t meet strict quotas. Despite international attempts to shut down these known operations, scam centers continue to prosper. Along the Thai-Myanmar border an estimated 100,000 people work in the centers. Cooperation among law enforcement agencies is lacking. Corruption and scarcity of resources stall or hinder aid. Established scam farms in the region bordering Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, the GMS, begin as casinos. They're tied to regional money laundering of proceeds from drug trafficking and other criminal activity. How the Cloud Works - Pros & Cons Top 5 Countries of the Global Space Race Iraq: Mesopotamia to Modern Middle East crystal meth rises in popularity despite its disastrous effects Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, casinos alter their strategies. They gravitate online, taking up scam operations and cyber fraud. They provide criminal services like cybercrime, scamming, money laundering, illegal casinos, data harvesting and spreading disinformation. People recently rescued from the compounds report they are beaten and subjected to electric shocks, and show bruises and wounds. In some cases however, people are willing scammers. Some voluntarily go to scam centers and work with the intention of scamming, hoping to make a lot of money. Advancements in technology have enabled scammers to develop increasingly complex methods. Recent crackdowns focus on Myawaddy in Myanmar, part of the Greater Mekong Subregion at the Thai border. Scam centers may get protection from armed groups like the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) or Karen National Army (KNA). Edward Kelley: Alchemy & the Angels Cassava Root: Nutrition, Toxins & Economy Microchips: the Real World Power Democratic Karen Buddhist Army Flag The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) is a center for scam operations and known illegal activities. Along the Mekong River in the Ton Pheung District of Bokeo Province, Laos, it covers about 3000 hectares. It's established 2007 by the Lao government in collaboration with the Chinese-owned, Hong Kong-registered Kings Romans Group. The goal is to foster economic development. It's since earned a reputation as a Chinese city full of illegal and taboo activities like child prostitution, crystal meth and other drugs, human and animal trafficking. The Kings Romans Casino is a major attraction. Laos has made some attempts to raid places like scam centers, arresting 60 people in 2022, but efforts are sparse due to the high element of criminal normalcy and corruption. Make an AI for Stock Market Analysis & Prediction What Robots Need to Function & Survive Ideonella sakaiensis : Plastic-Eating Bacteria GTSEZ & Kings Romans Casino on the Laos side of the Mekong River Internet Scams Widespread scams include fraudulent investments, often in cryptocurrency, and "pig butchering." Scammers social media and online platforms to promote the schemes. They may create compelling narratives to establish emotional connections and manipulate victims. Cryptocurrency scams experience rapid growth, with 150% increase in the last few years. It's largely due to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrency, which complicates efforts at detection. Cryptocurrency scams deceive people into investing in fraudulent projects, sharing personal details, or transferring crypto to fraudsters. It's presented as a promising investment, or even a job opening. Cryptocurrency: Finance in the Space Age Robot Lubrication: Grease the Machine Uruk Mesopotamia: Forefront of Civilization The "Pig Butchering" Scam A prevalent scam used by the centers is known as pig butchering. A worker builds a relationship with a target over weeks or even months, typically through social media or online dating apps. The scammer, using a false identity, cultivates trust and intimacy with a potential fraud victim. The target starts to believe there's a genuine connection. Once the "pig" is fattened with affection and trust, the scammer suggests investing in a fraudulent cryptocurrency or other scam. With perceived trust and promise of financial gain, victims are led to the slaughter. Humans in Space: Effects on Body & Mind Build a Basic Robot: Method & Materials Caffeine: Nature, Characteristics & Health The scammer persuades them to transfer increasingly large sums of money, which are then stolen. I n some cases, people report losing over $1 million as their emotions are manipulated by the scammers. Influential Factors and Regional Instability Several factors contribute to the proliferation of scam centers in Southeast Asia. Weak law enforcement, pervasive corruption, and the lack of effective regulations create a conducive environment. The civil war in Myanmar further exacerbates the situation. It creates a volatile situation of increased instability, giving criminals the chance to operate above what little law there is. Black Tapioca: Sweet Pearls of Bubble Tea Flavors of Coffee: From Harvest to Homestead Mineral Oil: Technology & Ecology Myanmar border guards Recent crackdowns follow the case of Chinese actor Wang Xing, 22, who goes to Thailand in the belief he has a casting opportunity. Instead, he's taken 500km to Mae Sot in west Thailand and trafficked across the border to work in scam operations in Myanmar. His girlfriend, concerned when she can't reach him, asks for help on social media. Her post gets attention. Wang is located in January, over a month after his kidnapping. His head has been shaved. The high profile incident prompts a crackdown on scam centers resulting in several hundred people released. The problem of human trafficking raises concerns as Thailand worries the publicity will hurt harm its image as a Chinese tourist spot. Space Satellites: Mechanics & Materials Nanotechnology: Nanoscale Power & Progress Food to Energy: Krebs Cycle & Cell Balance Thai night On 4 February, Thailand cuts power and internet to five locations inside Myanmar known to be hubs for scam syndicates. Sale of fuel is restricted. Still, major centers are abuzz with generators and continue operations. China has provided the names of numerous Chinese nationals suspected of participating in the syndicates. China's public security assistant minister, Liu Zhongyi, recently visits Bangkok and the border to coordinate repatriation. Chinese gangs associated with scamming in Myanmar are believed also connected to schemes in Cambodia. Criminal enterprises proliferate in regions where governance is fragile. Thailand faces problems of transporting and temporarily accommodating groups freed from the centers. Some embassies have not yet committed to funding repatriation of their nationals. Silver (Ag): Ancient Trade to Modern Tech Self-Healing Silicone Technology in Robotics Artificial Intelligence: Power of Prediction Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Ideonella sakaiensis is the first bacterium known to consume plastic, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with 8 million tons entering oceans. Air Pollution: Science, Health & Economy Tardigrades (Water Bears): Extreme Survivors Bioremediation: Organic Cleanup of Toxins About Ideonella sakaiensis Ideonella sakaiensis naturally inhabits soil and sediment contaminated with plastic. It uses polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a source of carbon and energy. Gram-negative Structure: It has a thin peptidoglycan layer and outer membrane. Motility: Each cell is motile and has a single flagellum to aid movement. Rod-Shaped Appearance: The typical shape optimizes adaptability in various environments. Mesophilic Preferences: It thrives at temperatures between 25 to 37 degrees Celsius, similar to many living organisms. Aerobic: Ideonella sakaiensis survives in environments with available oxygen. Plutonium (Pu): Nuclear Weapons & Space Phytoplankton: Environment & Human Health Solar Energy & Nuclear Power in Space Ideonella sakaiensis The bacterium is first identified in plastic waste at a recycling center in Japan. It's isolated from a group of microorganisms found in the sediment sample, which also contains protozoa and yeast-like cells. After PET is degraded by I. sakaiensis , the other microbes convert 75% of degraded PET into carbon dioxide (CO2). In a perfect world plants turn CO2 to oxygen through photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide has many other uses, including in food and beverages, fire safety, manufacturing, and agriculture. It makes fizz in beer as a byproduct of yeast fermentation, powers fire extinguishers and inflates life rafts. Excess carbon dioxide contributes to greenhouse gases. Robot Manufacture & Environmental Health Space Debris: Coping with Dangerous Junk How Spacecraft Produce Water for Astronauts Fire extinguishers are full of pressurized CO2 Ideonella sakaiensis has adapted over time to survive on synthetic material. PET is patented in the 1940s and becomes popular in the 70s. The bacteria evolve in response to the abundance in their environment. Bacteria are natural decomposers and can consume such ingredients as toxic waste, heavy metals and rocks. If they can't eat it they adapt. They reproduce by binary fission , enabling speedy metabolic adjustments. Exact timeline of evolution is unknown. Its fairly recent discovery suggests Ideonella sakaiensis adapts to a plastic diet decades before being found. Many microbes are genetically modified. This bacterium is all natural, but that is quickly changing. What Robots Need to Function & Survive Mars Curiosity Rover: Success & Longevity Methane (CH4): Science of Microbial Gas How Ideonella sakaiensis Consumes PET Ideonella sakaiensis attaches to the plastic surface with its flagellum. It produces two enzymes: PETase (PET hydrolase): This enzyme breaks down long chains of PET molecules to the chemical mono(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalic acid (MHET). MHETase (MHET hydrolase): This enzyme further breaks down MHET into its constituent building blocks, terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol. These end products, TPA and ethylene glycol, are then metabolized by the bacteria for energy and growth. How Spacecraft Produce Water for Astronauts How Salamanders Regenerate Body Parts Biometallurgy: Microbes Mining Metals Pros of Bacterial Plastic Remediation Potential for Complete Degradation: Unlike mechanical recycling, which often degrades the quality of the plastic, Ideonella sakaiensis can theoretically break down PET into its constituent monomers. Cost-Effective: Bioremediation using bacteria is hoped to be a more cost-effective alternative to traditional plastic recycling methods. Environmentally Friendly: By breaking down plastic waste, bioremediation of plastics expects to reduce pollution and conserve resources. How Bacteria Survive a Nuclear Explosion Russo-Ukrainian War: Motives, Propaganda & Technology Escherichia coli (E. coli): The Good Bacteria Cons of Bacterial Plastic Remediation Slow Degradation Rate: The natural degradation rate of PET by Ideonella sakaiensis is slow, making it impractical for large-scale waste management. It can take weeks to months to fully degrade a small piece of plastic. Environmental Factors: The efficiency of the bacteria can be influenced by environmental factors, such as temperature, pH, and the presence of contaminants destructive to its existence. Survival of Bacteria in the Extremes of Space Agriculture: Calvin Cycle in Photosynthesis Nine Countries with Nuclear Weapons Enzyme Optimization: Further research is needed to optimize the activity of PETase and MHETase to improve their efficiency. Plastic Specificity : I. sakaiensis primarily targets PET, which limits applications in addressing countless other types of plastics. Current Use and Future Prospects Almost ten years after its discovery, Ideonella sakaiensis is not being used on a large scale to bioremediate polluted areas. The primary focus is on research and development. Pyrococcus furiosus : Extremophile of Vulcano Food to Energy: Krebs Cycle & Cell Balance North Korea (DPRK): Total Control Scientists hope to achieve: Enzyme Engineering: Modifying the PETase and MHETase enzymes to enhance their activity, making them more efficient at decomposing PET. Scientists have already managed to increase efficiency of PETase through protein engineering. They've created a "super-enzyme" to break down PET faster than the naturally occurring enzyme. Scale-up Strategies: Trying to figure out how to cultivate the bacteria on a large scale and implement bioremediation strategies in real-world settings instead of plastic pipe dreams. Five Major Proteins of Nature & Human Health Zinc (Zn): Technology, Nature & Health Vermicompost: Composting with Worms The Global Plastic Problem Every year, around 300 million tons of plastic waste ends up in landfills and oceans, where it can persist for hundreds of years. This persistent pollution endangers marine life and brings microplastics into the food chain. In 2018 China stops accepting recycling. This causes a huge backlog as systems scramble to send recycling to Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. Poorly equipped to handle it, many countries dump overflow into landfills. Salmonella Bacteria: Science & Health Botulism: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention Methane (CH4): Science of Microbial Gas Some estimates suggest by 2050 the weight of plastic in the oceans could exceed that of all fish combined. For instance the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is an accumulation of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. Referred to as the Pacific trash vortex, it consists of two separate collections of debris encircled by the vast North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. It's estimated to be 1.6 million sq km, three times the size of France. Buddhist Violence in Rakhine State Myanmar Super Alloys in Space Exploration Glutamates: Umami Flavors & Brain Cells Persistence: Plastics are incredibly durable and can persist in the environment for hundreds, even thousands, of years. Ubiquitous Presence: Plastic debris contaminates virtually every corner of the Earth, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks. Ecological Damage: Plastic pollution harms wildlife through entanglement, ingestion, and habitat destruction. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles, can also accumulate in the food chain, posing potential health risks. Landfill Overflow: The sheer volume of plastic waste overwhelms landfills, contributing to land degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. How Solar Panels Work Seven Trace Minerals: Nature's Little Helpers Potassium (K): Human Health & Environment Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Clean water is a life need. Water pollution is a growing concern. Chemicals, microplastics, sewage, industrial waste and agricultural runoff contribute toxins even in developed nations. Here are eight countries in crisis today. Extreme Heat: Effects on Infrastructure Air Pollution: Science, Health & Economy How Wind Turbines Create Electricity Over 40% of the world's water is polluted. Water pollution is a problem in both developing and developed nations. Causal factors include garbage dumping, industrial waste, sewage, war, chemicals and agricultural runoff. 1. Yemen Yemen, already one of the driest countries in the world, suffers severe water scarcity. Years of civil war decimate infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems. Black Tea (Camellia sinensis): Harvest to Cup Silver (Ag): Ancient Trade to Modern Tech Nanotechnology: Nanoscale Power & Progress Bombing and displacement disrupt water supplies, leading to widespread disease outbreaks like cholera . Chronic malnutrition and health problems are rampant in Yemen due to water scarcity and poor sanitation. Yemen is in the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis. Millions are without clean water. The country relies primarily on groundwater for drinking and agriculture. Over-extraction has depleted aquifers. A report from UNICEF and the World Health Organization reveals only 50% of the population has access to safe water, far below the global average of 89%. Daily life revolves around the struggle to survive. Effects of Extreme Heat on the Human Body Houthi War in Yemen: Politics & Motivations Oil Wars: A Global Power Play Yemen ruins Prolonged drought coupled with rapid population growth strains Yemen's already limited water resources. The civil war destroys infrastructure, hindering humanitarian aid and preventing effective water management. Unregulated groundwater extraction for agriculture, especially thirsty crops like qat, further depletes aquifers. 2. Afghanistan Decades of conflict hindered development of essential infrastructure. Several factors contribute to Afghanistan's water problems. Ineffective governance, political instability and low investment in water management systems all have influence. Excess groundwater extraction for agriculture, with inadequate sanitation, contaminates water sources. Regions of Extreme Heat: The Future is Now How Solar Panels Work Nine Countries with Nuclear Weapons Afghanistan scene Access to safe sanitation and hygiene, including basic toilets and handwashing supplies, is similarly limited. In rural areas, communities rely on local streams and rivers polluted with waste and chemicals. The majority of people drink unsafe water. This situation results in widespread waterborne diseases, worsening the country's health crisis. 3. Somalia Its arid climate makes Somalia highly vulnerable to drought. Recurring dry spells, often followed by devastating floods, decimate livestock, displace communities and cause widespread famine. Russo-Ukrainian War: Motives, Propaganda & Technology Fossil Fuels: Ecology & Economy Silicon (Si) Metalloid: Prehistory into the Future arid scene in Somalia Climate change intensifies Somalia's natural drought cycles. Deforestation and overgrazing contribute to land degradation, reducing the land's ability to retain water. Weak governance and lack of reliable infrastructure exacerbate the crisis. A dearth of investment in water infrastructure, coupled with political instability and conflict, hinders water resource management. 4. India India has a large water supply but crisis rears due to rapid industrialization, urbanization and unsustainable agricultural. Many rivers are heavily polluted with industrial waste and untreated sewage. Indus River Valley Civilization: Bronze Age Mineral Oil: Technology & Ecology Bioremediation: Organic Cleanup of Toxins on the Ganges India has some of the most polluted water bodies globally. Major rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna are severely contaminated. In the Ganges levels of Coliform bacteria, originating in feces, are too high to be safe for agriculture, drinking or bathing. Much pollution comes from human waste. 1.5 million liters of sewage spill into the river daily, with just a third being processed. Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture contributes to water quality deterioration. In regions like Punjab, nearly 70% of groundwater is contaminated with toxic nitrates. Robot Manufacture & Environmental Health Phytoplankton: Environment & Human Health Solar Energy & Nuclear Power in Space Over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture, especially for water-loving crops like rice and sugarcane, depletes aquifers. Industrial discharge and poor water management and lack of legal enforcement increase pollution. The situation is complicated by extreme water scarcity in various areas due to rising temperatures. Droughts reduce agricultural yields, limiting food availability for millions of people. Faust: Fact & Fiction German Renaissance Treponema pallidum : About the Syphilis Bacteria Pakistan: Ancient Cultures to Nuclear Power 5. Pakistan Pakistan's economy relies on agriculture, which needs vast amounts of water. Inefficient irrigation practices, aging infrastructure and a growing population are strain the country's water resources. Poor irrigation methods cause significant water waste in agriculture. Aging water infrastructure loses water through leaks and evaporation. Rapid population growth increases the demand for water for domestic and agricultural use. Rising temperatures alter rainfall patterns, with more frequent and severe droughts and floods. Irrigation in History: Greening of the Land Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Human Warfare Photosynthesis: Nature's Energy Production floodwaters 6. Haiti Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, suffers from chronic water shortage and poor water quality. Decades of deforestation heightens the problem, causing soil erosion and reduced water retention. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, further damage water infrastructure. Limited investment in water treatment and sanitation systems contributes to widespread water pollution and disease. Waterborne illnesses account for half the deaths in Haiti every year. Cholera outbreaks are common due to damaged water cleaning infrastructure. Heavy rains flood contaminated water into clean water. Seven Deadly Diseases of the Renaissance Vibrio Cholerae: the Cholera Bacteria Algae: Evolution, Science & Environment Haiti street scene Contaminated water also causes typhoid and diarrhea. Both can be fatal if the infected person gets dehydrated. 7. Nigeria Nigeria's critical water quality and availability issues are largely driven by socio-economic factors. Rapid population growth strains existing water infrastructure, leading to soaring demand for limited resources. In urban areas, particularly in slums, access to clean water is scarce. Many residents depend on unsafe sources like contaminated wells and surface water. Malaria: Roman Fever & Renaissance Plague Uruk Mesopotamia: Forefront of Civilization Taiwan: Ancient Culture to Modern Economy Nigeria According to a UNICEF report, around 57 million Nigerians lack basic water services. They're constantly at risk for waterborne diseases like cholera. Pollution from oil spills in the Niger Delta and poor waste management severely deteriorates water quality. In some areas, water samples contain toxic levels of lead . Nigeria experiences extreme heat, especially in the dry season (Nov to March). Temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F) and stifling heatwaves cause health troubles like dizziness, heatstroke, kidney failure and death. Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Science & Environment Artificial Intelligence: Technology & Society Myanmar (Burma): Beauty & Brutality Osun Sacred River, NIgeria 8. Syria Syria, like Yemen, is devastated by civil war, which destroys water systems. Infrastructure is targeted, making clean water access a desperate need for millions. Increased military activity contaminates water resources, leading to poor sanitation and spread of disease. Nearly 90% of the population relies on unsafe water sources, which carry cholera and other illness. Climate heating exacerbates water scarcity in Syria by causing prolonged droughts. Due to the war many communities have no choice but to rely on unsafe water sources. Buddhist Violence in Rakhine State Myanmar Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Abzu - Primal Waters of Creation water in Syria Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Aruru is a goddess of vegetation with a nasty yen for violence. Her major cult centers are Sumerian sites Adab (Bismaya), Kesh and Irisaĝrig, the latter two lost cities. Ninhursag - Great Mountain Mother Inanna: Goddess Queen of Heaven   Abzu - Primal Waters of Creation Myths and god lists mention Aruru as the older sister of Enlil , an ancient creator god. Their parents are primordial entities An (Sky) and Ki (Earth). Her worship goes back at least to the Ur III period (2193 - 2004 BCE). In earliest writings Aruru is a vegetation goddess only. She's associated with poplar, date palm, cedar, Prosopis (related to mesquite), and the unidentified plants teme and marmaḫ. Later, she's conflated with Ninhursag , the Great Mountain Mother. Bizilla - Shining Love Goddess Sukkal Ninurta (Ninĝirsu) - God of the People Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients date palms bearing fruit In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Aruru creates the companion of Gilgamesh. She makes Enkidu, a wild man of the Steppe, from a lump of clay. Enkidu is "civilized" by a sacred prostitute and takes part in many adventures. Like many other ancient goddesses, Aruru becomes equated with deities of birth. She's numbered among nine birth goddesses in the court of Ninhursag , the great Mountain Mother. A literary genre called the City Laments takes hold c. 2000 BCE. It's a collection of poetic compositions and incantations based on the destruction of Sumerian cities. Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life Mamu - Sumerian Goddess of Dreams Uruk Mesopotamia: Forefront of Civilization The city of Aruru is named as Irisaĝrig and identified in part of the Lament for Eridu . Aruru may also assume the role of titulary Goddess for Eridu(g). From The Lament for Eridu "Its king stayed outside his city as if it were an alien city. He wept bitter tears. Father Enki stayed outside his city as if it were an alien city. He wept bitter tears. For the sake of his harmed city, he wept bitter tears. Its lady, like a flying bird, left her city. The mother of E-maḫ, holy Damgalnuna [wife of Enki], left her city. The divine powers of the city of holiest divine powers were overturned. The divine powers of the rites of the greatest divine powers were altered. In Eridug everything was reduced to ruin, was wrought with confusion." Nanshe - Nature Goddess of Justice Sacred Music of Ancient Mesopotamia Bau - Healing Goddess of Babylonia Major Mesopotamian cities - Eridu at bottom Aruru is associated with Ninlil , the wife of Enlil. Ninlil marries Enlil as the Goddess Sud, as she's known in the city of Šurrupag. Aruru helps her dress and takes her to Ekur, the mountain paradise of the Gods, where Enlil awaits her. Another myth features her in the role of soothsayer, when she's asked to name the warrior most capable of defeating a sea monster. She chooses Nergal . Bull of Heaven - Inanna vs Gilgamesh Nanaya - Goddess of Erotic Love Disease Demons & Doctors: Ancient Mesopotamia Nergal - God of the Underworld, War, Disease, Death & Inflicted Death The temper of Aruru is legendary. One myth tells of Ninmah (Ninhursug) unsuccessfully trying to calm Aruru's fury. Another story also depicts Aruru as a powerful, violent aspect. She's said to kill a shepherd, and destroy a sheepfold and cattle pen. Tales of her rage come from Larsa, Kish and Nippur, comparing her wrath to that of a viper or bull. In another myth Aruru has a garden. She's called "mother of dates" and "mother of apples ". Pomegranate is also referred to as "apple" from Latin "pomum", also seen in French pomme  (apple). Despite her temperamental character, her nature as a vegetation goddess prevails. Date and pomegranate are two of the seven ancient plants of humankind. Kusarikku - Bull Men of Mesopotamia Nungal (Manungal) Prison Goddess Humbaba: Giant Mountain Forest Man Pomegranate Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Spacecraft re-entry in the atmosphere has consequences. Many survive intense heat and friction through ablation, drawing heat away from the craft's surface. This generates byproducts like nitrogen oxides (NOx). How Spacecraft Avoid Burning Up on Reentry Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) Spacecraft Graveyard of the South Pacific Emissions contribute to atmospheric pollution and affect aerosol properties in the stratosphere. The complex cocktail of chemicals includes metallic oxides and NOx. Lithium, aluminum, silicon, copper and lead are also shed. According the the European Space Agency (ESA): "We measured metals that vaporized during spacecraft reentries in stratospheric sulfuric acid particles. Over 20 elements from reentry were detected and present in ratios consistent with alloys used in spacecraft. The mass of lithium, aluminum, copper and lead from the reentry of spacecraft was found to exceed the cosmic dust influx of those metals. About 10% of stratospheric sulfuric acid particles larger than 120 nm in diameter contain aluminum and other elements from spacecraft reentry." Earth Communication: Satellites, Spacecraft & Astronauts CubeSats: Science, Technology & Risky Business Magnetic Fields & Space Travel Ablation occurs during re-entry as materials are subjected to extreme heat and pressure. As a spacecraft descends through the atmosphere, it deals with temperatures up to 3000 ° C. The intense heat causes intended erosion or vaporization of components, which lift the heat away from the craft. These are often heat shields made from metals like titanium , aluminum and alloys. Tungsten , a heavy metal, can survive temperatures up to 3422 ° C. Titanium, tungsten and aluminum oxidize by reacting with atmospheric oxygen, to generate metallic oxides. An example is aluminum oxide (Al2O3), which contributes to changes in atmospheric aerosol composition. Ideonella sakaiensis : Plastic-Eating Bacteria Air Pollution: Science, Health & Economy Bioremediation: Organic Cleanup of Toxins aluminum commonly used in spacecraft due to its lightness and durability The amount of metallic oxides generated are directly linked to the type of materials used in spacecraft construction, as well as specific conditions during re-entry. Re-entry also produces nitrogen oxides (NOx). NOx is a collective term for nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), both of which are potent atmospheric pollutants. NOx are already a major concern, active in smog formation, acid rain, and ozone depletion. Production of NOx during re-entry happens when heat generated during re-entry causes the direct thermal dissociation of nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the air, followed by their recombination into NOx. Silicon (Si) Metalloid: Prehistory into the Future Copper (Cu) Effects on Human & Plant Health Lead: Death Metal of Metallurgy NOx: major component of smog The ablative materials themselves may contain nitrogen-bearing compounds, releasing NOx upon decomposition. The major concern with NOx is deposition in the stratosphere. The stratosphere includes the ozone layer, which shields the Earth from ultraviolet radiation. NOx in the stratosphere catalyzes reactions which destroy ozone molecules. NOx influences stratospheric aerosol properties. Stratospheric aerosols are particles suspended in the upper atmosphere, needed to regulate global temperatures. They reflect sunlight back into space, helping cool the planet; or they absorb heat, causing the atmosphere to warm up. NOx reacts with other atmospheric components to form nitric acid (HNO3) and condense to create new aerosols or alter size and composition of existing ones. Carbon Dioxide (CO2): the Good & the Bad Earth's Atmosphere: Layers of Dynamic Design Lithium (Li): Science, Health & Uses Melanin produces dark pigments in skin to guard against UV rays, but can also cause skin cancer Changes in stratospheric aerosol properties can affect precipitation patterns and temperature distributions. Once NOx are in the atmosphere, they trigger chemical reactions causing ground-level ozone formation. Ground-level ozone is a harmful pollutant. It causes respiratory problems in humans and harms plant and wildlife growth. NOx emissions contribute to approximately 40% of the formation of atmospheric ozone. The frequency of space launches and re-entries is projected to increase dramatically, driven by the burgeoning commercial space industry and renewed interest in lunar and Martian exploration. While pollution from spacecraft re-entry is currently small compared to industrial emissions, it is a growing concern as space missions increase. Emissions from spacecraft re-entries will account for 2% of global nitrogen oxides by 2035. Carbon Sequestration: Environmental Health Building Robots: Elastomers, Metals & Plastics Regions of Extreme Heat: The Future is Now Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is in the central North Pacific Ocean. A massive moving marine dump, it accumulates vast amounts of debris, predominantly plastic waste. Spacecraft Graveyard of the South Pacific Ideonella sakaiensis: Plastic-Eating Bacteria Air Pollution: Science, Health & Economy Factors of its formation include ocean currents, poor waste disposal practices, and geography. Also called the Pacific trash vortex or the North Pacific Garbage Patch, it accumulates over decades. It's driven by the powerful currents of the North Pacific Gyre. This swirling oceanic vortex draws in garbage from the Pacific Rim, the coastal nations bordering the Pacific Ocean. Fossil Fuels: Ecology & Economy Vibrio Cholerae : the Cholera Bacteria Space Debris: Coping with Dangerous Junk ocean currents transport the garbage to the convergence zone north of Hawaii The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a vast, diffuse area with intense concentrations of plastic particles. Particles range from large, recognizable items like discarded fishing nets, bottles, and containers to microplastics. Unlike organic matter, plastic doesn't readily biodegrade. Instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces through photodegradation. Sunlight weakens the plastic, making it brittle and prone to fragmentation. Water Pollution: Eight Countries in Crisis Effects of Extreme Heat on the Human Body Earth's Atmosphere: Layers of Dynamic Design Land pollution flows into the sea Pacific Rim Much pollution comes from land-based sources in countries along the Pacific Rim. Poor waste management infrastructure, rapid industrialization and population growth contribute to garbage in rivers and the ocean. Waterways carry the debris out into the open ocean where it eventually gets caught up in the gyre. Fishing can add to the problem. Discarded or lost fishing gear like nets, lines and traps (ghost gear) persists in the ocean for unlimited years. It entangles marine life and contribute to the overall plastic load. Maritime shipping and offshore oil and gas operations also cause accumulation of debris. The GPGP is a repository for hazardous chemical contaminants. Plastics can also attract toxic chemicals from surrounding water. When marine life forms ingest plastics, they also absorb the toxins. Fish exposed to microplastics carry up to 36 different toxic substances. This toxic load builds up in larger predators through bioaccumulation. Bioremediation: Organic Cleanup of Toxins Carbon Sequestration: Environmental Health Building Robots: Elastomers, Metals & Plastics Impact on Marine Life The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is is a serious threat. Marine animals ingest trash causing internal injuries, malnutrition, starvation and painful death. Seabirds confuse small pieces with food, and feed plastic to their chicks. Larger pieces of plastic can entangle marine animals, leading to drowning, terror and starvation. Accumulated debris also provides a surface for invasive species. Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, eat them and consequently die in agony. Even small organisms like plankton consume microplastics. This disrupts the entire marine food web with risks to all marine life. About Crude Oil & Natural Gas Regions of Extreme Heat: The Future is Now Carbon Dioxide (CO2): the Good & the Bad Microplastics in the food chain eventually reach humans through seafood consumption. Long-term health effects may include oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorder, poor immune response, neurotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity and chronic disease. Disruption in natural food chains causes species population imbalances. Decline of species harmed by pollution triggers a cascading effect in the food web and the overpopulation of other species. Communities dependent on marine resources deal with economic hardship as ocean health declines. Increased need for beach clean-ups and government initiatives adds to the economic strain. Robot Manufacture & Environmental Health Humans in Space: Effects on Body & Mind Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Human Warfare Beach garbage brought in by the sea Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Anu (c. 4000 - 500 BCE) King of the Gods is the oldest known god on record. An ancient creator deity, he descends from the embodiment of primordial Chaos. Anu rises to power during the Mesopotamian era as the Father of the Gods. Care & Feeding of Ancient Gods - Enlil Kumarbi - Castration Gods of Creation Iraq: Mesopotamia to Modern Middle East Anu, oldest of the Old Gods He later sacrifices his manhood when male divinity Kumarbi bites off his testicles. In this way Kumarbi is "impregnated" and must split his skull to give birth to Storm God Teshub . Teshub becomes a dire enemy of Kumarbi. The many adventures of the Young Gods in both Hurrian and Mesopotamian mythos are often centered on Teshub's battles with Kumarbi. In the beginning, Anu (Anum, An) is the divine embodiment of the Sky. He's King of the Gods and paternal ancestor of countless figures of ancient religion. His sometime daughter Inanna (Ishtar) goes on to become one of the longest-reigning deities in history. Inanna's parentage is more often attributed to the Moon God Sin and Goddess Ningal. Inanna (Ishtar) - Goddess of Ancients Gibil - Fire God of Mesopotamia Ninazu: Healing, Death, Snakes & War Inanna, Goddess of Love, Sexuality, Fertility and War, with symbols doves, lion, barley Anu is equated with Greek Uranus (Ouranos), consort of Gaia and Sky Father figure in ancient Greek myth. Uranus is castrated by his son, the Titan Cronus, who goes on to become the first King. Anu is sometimes seen a figurehead or primal elemental. In Sumerian, his name, Anu, simply means 'sky'. Anu does have parents, despite being the oldest god. They're not considered gods, rather primordial beings descended from Chaos. His father Anshar is a sky entity whose name means 'the whole heaven' in Sumerian. Anshar also represents the evening star . Anshar's wife Kishar corresponds to the morning star, both aspects of the planet Venus. Anshar and Kishar descend from the divine duo Lahmu and his sister Lahamu ("silt"). They in turn are born from the mingling of primordial sea goddess Tiamat , representing Chaos and the ocean, and the groundwater, Abzû . Tiamat - Queen of Chaos & the Sea Bull of Heaven - Inanna vs Gilgamesh Sukkals - Mythic Viziers to the Gods Primordial Seas Anu holds the power to bestow the right to rule on mortals and Gods alike. He's strongly associated with the number 60. Sexagesimal, also known as base 60, is a numeral system with sixty as its base. It originates with Sumerians in the 3rd millennium BCE. In Mesopotamia a divine or sacred number is accorded the deities, especially those often mentioned, as a shortcut to writing out the name in cuneiform. From there it travels to Babylon. In modified form the sexagesimal system is still used for measuring time, angles, and geographic coordinates. Creator God Anu uses base 60 to mathematically structure the world. 60 is five twelves, with 12 being another symbolic number in worldwide religions. Sin (Suen): Moon God of Mesopotamia What is a Ziggurat? Kur - Underworld of Mesopotamia Sky palace of Anu The sexagesimal system survives as 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour and 360° in a circle. By comparison, the Egyptians have a base 10 system of hieroglyphs for numerals. There are specific symbols for one unit, one ten, one hundred, one thousand, one ten thousand, one hundred thousand, and one million. Anu has three wives, seen as three aspects of the same or a triple goddess. Each of her aspects includes that of an Earth Goddess. She's Antu, Ki and Urash . At one time the three feminine deities might have been a triple goddess or heavenly triad. Three is a number of divinity appearing in religion and folklore throughout the world. Trinities can include specific deities or assume three aspects of one. Mushussu  - Snake Dragon Animal of Marduk Sukkals - Mythic Viziers to the Gods Anzû - Mesopotamian Monster of Mayhem Three Deities Anu is also known to dawdle with Asherah , goddess of fertility. She's paired with many gods and has over 80 children. In some tales the wife of Anu is Nammu, an ancient creator Goddess who usually doesn't have a spouse. She makes an exception for Anu, possibly a symbolic marriage to unite two territories or sets of beliefs in the mortal world. Nammu gives birth to Enki (Ea) , an elemental water entity, God of creation, intelligence, crafts, fertility, semen, magic and mischief. In other stories he's the son of Urash. Equated with Greek Poseidon, Enki is one of the most important deities in Mesopotamian myth and culture. Shumugan - God of Donkeys & Mules Nungal (Manungal) Prison Goddess Nanshe: Nature Goddess of Justice & Dreams Enki (Ea) is a creation God of Water With sons Enlil  and Enki, Anu forms a divine trinity. Enlil (Elil) represents wind, air, earth and storms. His worship extends through the Akkadian empire to Babylon and Mesopotamia, centered at Nippur. In some mythologies he and Anu are interchangeable. Enlil gains power as time goes on. The sukkal, or divine attendant of Anu is at first goddess Ninshubur , who later becomes the sukkal of Inanna and is known for her devotion. Anu's sukkal is then Papsukkal , elevated to a position of great authority. Apkallu - Seven Sages of Mesopotamia Ninkasi: Beer Goddess Mesopotamia The Igigi - Why Humans are Created Papsukkal, Grand Vizier of the Gods In Mesopotamian astronomy, the sky has three zones. Stars closest to the pole belong to Enlil. Stars close to the equator are those of Enki. Anu rules the stars in between. Zones of the sky are called the "Ways" of the equivalent deities. Anu starts to take a more passive approach when his son Enlil assumes the crown of King of the Gods. Anu gradually retires from the mortal world, spending more time in the divine domain of the esoteric, as the next generation of Mesopotamian gods wreaks havoc down below. Among mortals, the worship of Anu as a solitary deity dwindles and his importance to the pantheon is limited. Although mentioned first in the God lists, he's more a habit than an entity of divine power. Other gods take prominence. Still, Anu enjoys a reign of about 3500 years, and is now taking it easy up above the clouds. Ningizibara: Sumerian Balaĝ Music Goddess Ninkarrak: Ancient Medicine Goddess Tooth Worms of Ancient Mesopotamia Ruins of Ziggurat of Anu in Uruk . Anu's White Temple at top was once a beacon to travelers Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Papsukkal holds an elevated place in the hierarchy of gods and mortals. A sukkal of the War God Zababa , he rises in rank to sukkal of Anu , the oldest of Gods, and his wife Antu. See also: Figs - Food of the Ancient World Ninurta (Ninĝirsu) - God of the People Nanshe - Nature Goddess of Justice Papsukkal, Grand Vizier of the Gods Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books Papsukkal is a powerful figure in mythology as divine attendant or vizier to the Gods. He's originally the sukkal of Zababa, warrior god and tutelary deity of Kish . His father is either Anu or Zababa. Read: Cult of the Fire God - Bronze Age Adventure New 2024 The name Papsukkal is a combination of 'pap' or 'papu' meaning older brother, and sukkal . His wife is Amasagnudi, a goddess attested in god lists as servant to the God Anu and wife Antu. She's also called  Ninkagal, or L ady of the Great Gate. See also: Girsu (Tello): Ancient Sumerian City Kish: Glory Days in Ancient Babylonia Bau - Healing Goddess of Babylonia An ancient portal Sylvia Rose Books  on Smashwords   Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series   Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries   Sylvia Rose Art  on Zazzle Amasagnudi is a lesser known figure. She appears in the 2nd millennium BC Akkadian incantation against the baby-eating female  demon Lamashtu , known from the Ugaritic. Read: Cult of the Fire God  - Bronze Age Adventure New 2024 Papsukkal comes to wield great power. Historians believe he rises above others of his rank especially because of the word "sukkal" in his name. He's represented on kudurru , or boundary stones, with his symbols the staff and walking bird. See also: Dromedary Camel: Animals of Ancient Arabia Bird Woman Elwetritsch: German Folklore Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus) Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books The identity of the walking bird is vague . It might be a Black Francolin ( Francolinus francolinus ) , a game bird of the pheasant family, native to the near East and Asia. The bird can fly but prefers to walk. It's known for sneaking through the underbrush to get away from threats such as hunters. A similar 'walking bird' is the Chukar partridge. A possible depiction of the mythical bird shows a squat sturdy avian not having the long legs of a heron or crane. See also: Giant Cinnamon Birds of Arabia Gibil - Fire God of Mesopotamia Dumuzi & Geshtinanna: Reasons for Seasons Modern Excavation of the Ziggurat of Uruk Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books In the city of Uruk Papsukkal becomes the sukkal of Anu, oldest of the gods, due to synchronization with goddess sukkal of Inanna , Ninshubur. He's named one of the eighteen major gods of Uruk. In the ancient world, synchronization, assimilation, marriage or twinning with other gods is common. It can unite clans and kingdoms, pacify conquered people and ostensibly bring peace within the realm. See also: Gula - Medicine Goddess of Mesopotamia Ornithomancy - Prophecy by the Birds Ancient Mesopotamian Cities - Uruk Peace and Prosperity, a happy couple Sylvia Rose Books  on Smashwords   Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series   Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries   Sylvia Rose Art  on Zazzle The later Hittites  (1800 - 1180 BCE) in particular are famous for adopting gods and deific entities of others. Hurrian gods  also show up at many worship centers such as Ugarit . The constellation Orion, known in ancient Mesopotamia as Sipazianna or "the true shepherd of heaven," is the astral symbol of Papsukkal. Orion is also the star symbol of a part-time sukkal of Anu, Ilabrat ; and the goddess sukkal of Inanna, Ninshubur. See also: Botanical Alchemy - White Dead Nettle Primeval Deities: Goddess of the Dawn Benu - Ba Heron God of Ancient Egypt Cosmic Constellation Orion. The diagonal line of 3 bright stars at top is Orion's Belt Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books Ilabrat is worshipped as a separate deity in his major cult center, Assur. In Babylonia and Assyria he's popular as a household god. Ilabrat gives his name to a mysterious bird, illabara . Mesopotamian texts say this bird lives in mountainous environments, and is associated with Nergal , god of war and death . See also: Inanna (Ishtar) - Goddess of Ancients Ereshkigal & the Mesopotamian Underworld Abu - Ancient Vegetation Snake God Nergal, Underworld God of War, Death, Inflicted Death, Disease Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books Papsukkal is compared to yet another sukkal of Anu and Antu. A Mesopotamian God, Kakka has a cult center Maškan-šarrum. Its probably location is northern Iraq on the banks of the Tigris River . Read: Cult of the Fire God  - Bronze Age Adventure New 2024 Kakka is a male god in southern Mesopotamia and a female deity in Mari and Terqa, Syria. His female manifestation is linked to medicine. Kakka comes to be synchronized with Papsukkal and Ninshubur. See also: Cleopatra the Alchemist of Greece Queen Eleanor & the Calamitous Crusade Pioneering German Women - Bertha Benz Hands of healing Sylvia Rose Books  on Smashwords   Lora Ley Fantasy Fiction Series   Reiker For Hire Murder Mysteries   Sylvia Rose Art  on Zazzle The oldest evidence of worship of Papsukkal derives from the Old Babylonian Period (1894 - 1595 BCE) in Kish. A temple in Kish and another in Babylon are dedicated to him. His influence is also strong in other significant centers including Arbela and Assur in today's northern Iraq. He becomes a major figure in Uruk following the fall of the city and massive restructuring of the pantheon in the 4th century BCE. See also: Al-Mi'raj: Unicorn Hare of Arab Myth Nabarbi - Rustic Goddess of Pastures Namtar: Underworld Sukkal & Disease Demon Change is good Today's Zazzle Specials   Smashwords Books An urban center named for him , Dur-Papsukkal, is described as a royal city. It's famous for a 9th century BCE battle between the Kings of Assyria and Babylon (spoiler - Assyrians win). See also: Belet-Seri: Underworld Scribe Goddess Joyful Arrival of Hapi in Egypt Demons - Evil Udug of Mesopotamia Back to Top

Urash (Uraš) is an ancient Mesopotamian earth goddess and wife of Anu , sky god and oldest deity. Anu has two other consorts, different aspects of the same divinity. They're thought to first emerge as a triple goddess. Pagan Pantheon - Anu, Oldest of the Gods Kur - Underworld of Mesopotamia Sin (Suen): Moon God of Mesopotamia Urash, Mesopotamian Queen of the Gods The title Queen of the Gods is usually taken by the wife of the Sky God or King of the Gods. In Mesopotamia Queen of the Gods also applies to Ninhursag , the great mountain mother, even though her consort is the demon warrior Shulpae . The name Urash is sometimes interchangeable with that of Ninhursag. Urash is later seen as equivalent to Hera, Greek Queen of the Gods, and similar deities such as the Roman Juno and Norse Frigg . Urash is considered a very ancient goddess, Anu's other wives Antu (Akkadian) and Ki (Sumerian) are equated with her or aspects of one. The origin of Urash's name is thought to be either Akkadian or Sumerian. With Anu she has several children who go on to distinguish themselves, for better or worse, in the growing pantheon of the ancient world. Little does Anu know some will one day rise up against the dominant ideology and overthrow him. Pazuzu - Demon God of Mesopotamia Ninhursag - Great Mountain Mother Aya - Goddess of Dawn, Mesopotamia They include: Amarru - originally a Sumerian God; personification of the Amorites Bau - goddess of healing, medicine, guidance; tutelary goddess of Girsu Ishkur - storm god cognate with Hadad Ishtaran - local god and divine judge Ninisina - medicine goddess, tutelary deity of Isin Ninkarrak - divine physician medicine goddess ... and possibly Enki , Geshtinanna , Lugalbanda and Ninsun . In one famous story Geshtinanna is sister to Dumuzid , agriculture god, who ends up in Kur for half the year. In this case she's a child of Enki and Duttur, Dumuzi's parents. Lugalbanda is alternately known as Ninun's consort. Urash may have a temple in Nippur, central Mesopotamia. Nippur is home to major deities of the pantheon. Signs of her worship are found from the 22nd century BCE. She's often given offerings together with Anu. Care & Feeding of Ancient Gods - Enlil Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life Gula - Medicine Goddess of Mesopotamia Cities of ancient Mesopotamia Urash is the Earth, associated with fertility and rebirth, the female principle and the Underworld. Fertility deities have some ties to the Underworld and Urash also represents the place all mortals must go. Mesopotamians don't usually practice cremation. Bodies are buried, thus the earth holds a complex symbolism, being a place of both life and death. Urash is also the name of a male god of agriculture in Dilbat on the west bank of the Euphrates. It's not known if there's a connection. In some myths Urash is seen as an ancestor of Enlil , numbered among the Enki-Ninki primordial deities. The Enki-Ninki are similar to the Old Gods of Hurrian myth  and literature. These primeval deities are banished permanently to the Underworld by the younger gods but Urash and her equivalents Antu and Ki are not. Disease Demons & Doctors: Ancient Mesopotamia Kur - Underworld of Mesopotamia Bull of Heaven - Inanna vs Gilgamesh Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Uruk in Mesopotamia is considered the first true city in human civilization. One of the largest sites of the ancient world, Uruk is founded as a harbor city, becoming a vibrant metropolis of trade, education, art and progress. Ancient Mesopotamian Cities - Uruk Kish: Glory Days in Ancient Babylonia Inanna: Goddess Queen of Heaven Lay of the Land - dotted line is the ancient extent of the Persian Gulf. With a population estimated between 50,000 and 80,000 at its peak, the ancient city of Uruk is a major center of civilization. While large centers like Catalhoyuk and Jericho are older, Uruk is considered the first true city. Built in Mesopotamia's Fertile Crescent, it's known for the birth of writing, monumental architecture and complex social structures. Archaeology finds reveal early technological innovations like the wheel and plow. Bull of Heaven - Inanna vs Gilgamesh Ereshkigal & the Mesopotamian Underworld Myrrh - Mystique, Death & Divinity ... a later model Geography and Origin Uruk's origins go back to the Ubaid period c. 5000-4100 BCE. The site grows into a major urban center during the Uruk period, c. 4100-2900 BCE. The ancient city is located on a now-dried channel of the Euphrates River. It's east of the present-day flow of the river, in what is now Iraq. In early days the waterway makes it it's a busy hub of trade. Gold - Precious Metal of the Sun Ninurta (Ninĝirsu) - God of the People Sacred Music of Ancient Mesopotamia Euphrates satellite image The river provides easy transport of goods and people. Its also a source of food, irrigation for fields and mud for bricks. Agriculture is a driving force in the growth of civilization. The fertile floodplain between the Tigris and Euphrates supports a diverse ecosystem. Reeds, including common reed, cattail and papyrus, and date palms are abundant. Seasonal floods enrich fields with nourishment. Irrigation in History: Greening of the Land Ninkasi: Beer Goddess Mesopotamia Nungal (Manungal) Prison Goddess Common Reed and water lilies, duckweed, hornwort and eelgrass grow in Euphrates ecosystems Wildlife includes gazelles, lions, wild pigs and a variety of bird species like owls, hawks, vultures, herons, storks, ducks, bitterns and songbirds. The river abounds with fish such as barbel, a primary food, catfish and mullet. Over time residents master resource management, including early cultivation of cotton. Depending on climate and location, farmers of Mesopotamia cultivate barley and wheat as primary grains. Ancient Grains: Wheat, Barley, Millet, Rice Abu - Ancient Vegetation Snake God Namtar: Underworld Sukkal & Disease Demon barley Legumes like chickpeas and lentils, which provide nourishment both to people and soil are significant secondary crops. Fruits like dates, figs and grapes are part of the local diet and trade economy. Uruk is a link between varied cultures of Mesopotamia. Merchants and traders gather at markets, promoting cultural exchange and innovative ideas. Uruk's merchants trade textiles, ceramics and metalwork. Women Scientists of the Ancient World Lamashtu, Baby-Eating Demon of Mesopotamia Kur - Underworld of Mesopotamia fava beans ( Vicia faba ) not only provide food but enrich the soil with nitrogen Planned for Power: Structure and Building Materials Uruk is a marvel of urban planning, characterized by a sprawling complex of temples, administrative buildings, and residential areas. The city is enclosed within massive defensive walls. A prominent feature s the Eanna district, dedicated to the goddess Queen of Heaven Inanna (Ishtar), patron deity of Uruk. This district houses monumental temples like the White Temple of Anu . Dream Interpretation (Oneiromancy) - Mesopotamia Pagan Pantheon - Anu, Oldest of the Gods What is a Ziggurat? The Anu Ziggurat today (ziggurat built 4000 BCE; temple 3500 BCE) The temple is built on a the Anu Ziggurat , a stepped platform dominating the skyline. The ziggurat is the first of its kind. In its heyday, whitewashed with lime, the temple is brilliant in the sun and seen for vast distances. Inanna becomes tutelary goddess of Uruk because the people so desire her patronage they build her a beautiful house (temple), staffed with servants, musicians, exotic foods, jewelry and any delights she might desire. Inanna, goddess of love, sexuality, fertility and war, with her symbols the lion, doves and barley People call and pray to her. Inanna hears them and comes to take a look. She's thrilled by the house, gifts and praise, and moves in. Her patronage is a strong element of pride for the city and its denizens. The primary building material in Uruk is mud brick, readily available from the river's fertile banks. Bricks are sun-dried and used to construct houses, temples, and city walls. On the river, reeds are building materials for boats and some riverside homes. Ancient Elam - Middle Elamite Period Bronze Age Trade of Mesopotamia Papyrus (C. papyrus): Sacred Reeds of Aaru reed buildings on the Euphrates Over time, architects develop techniques to create durable and impressive structures. Bitumen , a natural petroleum product, is a popular mortar and waterproofing agent. Bitumen is a huge trade item though Mesopotamia, Indus Valley, Egypt and other regions. It's especially desired to waterproof boats made of reed and is one of the substances in Egyptian embalming. Apkallu - Seven Sages of Mesopotamia Shumugan - God of Donkeys & Mules Gula - Medicine Goddess of Mesopotamia mud bricks Trade & Economics Uruk's economy is driven by agriculture, craft production, and trade. Surplus crops like barley and wheat are common trade items. Skilled artisans produce pottery, metalwork and textiles. These are traded with neighboring regions for raw materials like stone, metal ores and timber. Trade is both local and widespread, extending to regions such as Elam  and Indus River Valley . Pharos Lighthouse: Ancient Wonder of Alexandria Ninurta (Ninĝirsu) - God of the People Architect Gods & Building in Mesopotamia cotton and cotton fiber textiles are used domestically and as exports Specialized labor emerges, with people dedicating themselves to specific crafts or administrative roles. Writing, initially used for accounting and record-keeping, contributes to economic efficiency and organization. The city's complex social structure facilitates economic growth. Uruk's economic prowess gives it considerable influence over surrounding settlements, establishing a network of both trade and tribute. date palms - dates are revered foods in Uruk and other regions Uruk operates largely on a barter system. Around half the city’s income comes from taxation and tributes collected from its surrounding territories. With its wealth Uruk funds infrastructure projects like roads and buildings. The common building materials for roads are mud bricks laid in bitumen. The method goes back c. 4000 BCE. Indus River Valley Civilization: Bronze Age Bizilla - Shining Love Goddess Sukkal Tooth Worms of Ancient Mesopotamia Art as Propaganda and Divine Connection Art in Uruk can be practical and/or symbolic. Pottery, often decorated with geometric patterns and animal motifs, is in common use for cooking, storage and trade. Monumental sculptures and reliefs adorn temples and public spaces, showing the power of the rulers and importance of the gods. The Warka Vase, also known as the Uruk Vase, is a significant Sumerian artifact, a carved alabaster vessel dating to 3200-3000 BCE, depicting scenes of offerings to the goddess Inanna.  Gallu (Galla) Demons of Ancient Kur Dumuzi & Geshtinanna: Reasons for Seasons Ninazu: Healing, Death, Snakes & War Warka Vase Uruk c. 3200-3000 BCE Art is also propaganda, reinforcing rulers' authority and their divine mandate. Images of kings hunting lions or performing other acts of valor convey strength and right to rule. Skilled artisans create intricate pottery, detailed stone carvings, cylinder seals and stunning jewelry. Cylinder seals are invented in Uruk c. 3500 BCE and their use quickly spreads throughout the known world. Immortal - Quest for the Elixir of Life Shamhat: Sacred Prostitute & the Wild Man Scribes & Writing - Ancient Mesopotamia Limestone cylinder seal and its impression, Uruk c. 3100 BCE The introduction of cuneiform writing around 3200 BCE is a peak in Uruk's achievements. Clay tablets, uncovered at archaeological sites, reveal information about trade, mythology, and everyday life. The writing system enormously improves record-keeping and administrative efficiency. Its use develops and spreads through subsequent societies. Papyrus (C. papyrus): Sacred Reeds of Aaru Kulla - God of Bricks & Building Cylinder Seals of the Ancient World Sumerian cuneiform script, from a trade tablet Gods, Mythology, and Religion Religion is central to the lives of inhabitants. The Mesopotamian pantheon is vast and complex. Each deity is associated with aspects of nature or human life. Most have sukkals or viziers, who may intervene on behalf of mortals. Inanna, goddess of love, fertility, and war, is the patron deity of Uruk and prominent position in the city's religious life. Her sukkal is goddess Ninshubur. Mythology explains creation origins of society part of the Inanna Temple Fragmentary tablets refer to a time before the gods, when only Earth ( ki ) and Heavens ( an ) exist. All is dark. This is no sun or moonlight. Yet, the Earth is green and water flows. There is no large vegetation. An the heavens becomes Anu, the oldest god, whose temple sits atop the Great Ziggurat. He's regarded as a source of both divine and human kingship. Bronze Age Europe - the Amber Roads Pagan Pantheon - Anu, Oldest of the Gods 12 Days of Zagmuk: Chaos & the King Anu is the oldest known god in history. He's active as Father of the Gods in ancient lore His consort is Earth Goddess Ki and Goddess Antu (mother of Lamashtu ), among others. Anu is ancestor to Mesopotamian deities including Enki , god of the waters; fire god Gibil , and scribe goddess Nisaba . The Epic of Gilgamesh, among the oldest surviving works of literature, tells of Gilgamesh, a king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality. Gilgamesh is in many tales. He's famous for his strife with Inanna , his friendship with wild man Enkidu, and his role in slaying the giant Humbaba . The tale of Enkidu and the sacred prostitute is a common copy assignment in later scribe schools. Proto Writing: Signs of the Times Scribes & Writing: Ancient Beginnings Gala Priests: Clergy of Goddess Inanna Gilgamesh defeats the bull Gilgamesh and the Kings of Uruk The kings of Uruk are written on the Sumerian King List c. 2165 BCE. They include Gilgamesh (2700 BCE) as well as Dumuzid (Dumuzi), the shepherd god consort of Inanna also known as a shepherd king or god king. Historical information about early rulers is scarce. Kings hold immense power as political and religious leaders. They maintain order, construct temples and defend the city from enemies. Gilgamesh is credited with building the city's defensive walls, which symbolize power and divine sanction. Another significant ruler, Enmerkar, is noted for expanding Uruk’s influence and trade routes. Ningizibara: Sumerian Balaĝ Music Goddess Hymn to Nungal - Prison Goddess Beer Goddess Siris of Mesopotamia Sumerian King List Literacy and Education Schools, often attached to temples, provide education for scribes and officials. Students learn to read and write cuneiform, enabling them to manage the city's complex administration and record its history. Also known as edi (singular eduba), scribe schools are especially prolific in the late third or early second millennium BCE. Education is usually reserved for the elite, especially males, although female scribes are documented. Nisaba is the first deity of scribes and writing. Her symbols are a tablet of lapis lazuli and a golden stylus. She's also a goddess of grain. By the time of Hammurabi (18th century BCE), she's replaced by the god Nabu . Scribes are essential to the government, facilitating trade systems and detailed record-keeping. The early emphasis on learning promotes advances in laws, governance and the arts. The Igigi - Why Humans are Created Gibil - Fire God of Mesopotamia Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers scribes keep records of communal needs like wheat, and their distribution Astronomy & Astrology in Mesopotamia Astronomy and astrology blossom in Mesopotamia by the 3rd millennium BCE. In ancient times, the who are inseparable. Mesopotamian scholars carefully observe movements of the sun, moon, planets and stars.  It's said the gods communicate with humans with messages written in the stars, and through travels of celestial bodies. Astronomers divine and predict events by these. The stars help understand the influence of deities on earthly affairs and human destinies.  The Babylonians, rising at the decline of Uruk, develop a system of zodiac signs. They divide the sky into twelve areas, each with a specific meaning and figure, the foundation for the zodiac system used in later cultures.  Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients Papsukkal - Grand Vizier of the Gods Puduhepa: Bronze Age Queen of the Hittites Relations with Others Uruk's influence extends far beyond its city walls. Through trade, diplomacy, and military conquest, Uruk establishes relations with other cities and regions through Mesopotamia and beyond. Urukian colonies are established in areas rich in resources, such as copper in Anatolia, facilitating trade and resource acquisition. Uruk also deals with competition from other powerful city-states, such as Kish and Lagash . Rivalries often erupt in conflict and warfare, as cities compete for control of resources and trade routes. Shifting alliances and power struggles between the Mesopotamian city-states shape the political landscape of the region. Uruk establishes partnerships with cities like Eridu and Ur. Diplomatic marriages between ruling families are common to strengthen political and economic ties. Asag - Horrific Disease Demon of Kur Hattusa Green Stone - Mystic Secrets Ancient Astrology: New Perspectives Great Ziggurat of Ur, partly restored Life of the Average Citizen The life of the average citizen in Uruk revolves around agriculture, craft production, and religious observance. Farmers cultivate lands surrounding the city, providing food for the population. Most people in Uruk live in simple mudbrick houses. Family  life is central. Households consist of extended families living together. Artisans produce pottery, textiles, baskets and metalwork, contributing to the city's economy. They're active in local markets, and trade their goods and services to sustain households. Ancient Traders & Buyers: Art of Testing Metals 10 Ancient Spices of Trade, Health & Beauty Lammašaga: Sumerian Angel Goddess basket weaving uses early techniques for thousands of years Religious beliefs permeate daily life. Citizens participate in rituals, sacrifices and festivals to honor deities and ask their favor. Social hierarchies exist, with elites having more wealth and power, but the citizen is integral to the functioning of the city. Festivals are commonly held to celebrate religious events, agriculture cycles and royal occasions. Girsu (Tello): Ancient Sumerian City Bronze Age Cultures - the Hittites Women of the Wild Hunt: Holle, Diana, Frigg The Role of Women Goddess Inanna, as patron deity, embodies the importance of female power and fertility in the city's culture. While the extent of women's influence is a subject of ongoing research, they are not passive figures. Women in Uruk have positions of authority in temples, managing religious affairs and overseeing temple finances. Many women are homemakers while others are active in trade, business and property management. Some juggle both. Women can own land, enter contracts, and even take part in religious ceremonies, which by the late Bronze Age is forbidden in many regions. Cassava Root: Nutrition, Toxins & Economy Erra - Plague Demon of Mesopotamia Aya - Goddess of Dawn, Mesopotamia supervising field work Silt Deopsition Over centuries, silt deposition or siltation changes Uruk's geography and significance. As the river alters its flow, Uruk begins shifting inland, impacting trade routes and water access. Sediment deposition gradually pushes the shoreline further away, eventually transforming Uruk from a riverfront city into an inland center. Despite the problems, Uruk adapts to change. It continues to prosper, but by 2000 BCE Uruk is on the decline with the rise of cities like Babylon. After that, Uruk prevails for over two millennia before its final abandonment c. 300 AD. The site is now known as Warka. Belet-Seri: Underworld Scribe Goddess Tiamat - Queen of Chaos & the Sea Before the Vikings: Nordic Bronze Age silt brings nutrients to the fields and ecology, and can change the course of rivers Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top

Incense burns smoky over hot coals. Voices rise in prayers, incantations and songs. Noise, wailing, howling, clapping, stamping, bells, drumming can discomfort a diabolical disease demon enough to make it depart. Sin (Suen): Moon God of Mesopotamia Ninhursag - Great Mountain Mother Nigella Sativa: Black Seed of Healers doctor and patient - the disease demon doesn't like this plant, so it will leave Such traditions are still in practice today. They include the noisy revelry, parades and masks of celebrations like Chinese New Year, when firecrackers and drums frighten evil spirits, and Carnival in the West. Exorcism is a healing ritual in ancient Mesopotamia. It's performed by a class of physician specializing in magic and demonology. Demons can cause ailments from ear infections to epilepsy ( benu or bennu ). They can make a person waste away or inflict tumors on the body. Illness is caused by one or more demons inhabiting a physical body, and/or cursing the stricken one with disease. Papsukkal - Grand Vizier of the Gods Sacred Music of Ancient Mesopotamia Ninurta (Ninĝirsu) - God of the People Demons can also cause drought, blight or fires. They may be responsible for undesirable character traits such as laziness or disrespect. They can cause panic attacks, anxiety, insanity, melancholy and sleep disorders. Disease demons live in the Underworld, Kur, along with other demons such as the galla  and evil udug . They include Namtar , the sukkal of Queen Ereshkigal of Kur, and the hideous demon Asag . Ninkarrak: Ancient Medicine Goddess Mamu - Sumerian Goddess of Dreams Kusarikku - Bull Men of Mesopotamia There are three recognized types of doctors in ancient Mesopotamia. The asu treat illness or injury objectively, using plants or medical methods known to get results. The asipu are the exorcists, using magic and supernatural methods such as demonic communication. The barû ( baru ) or seers are experts in divination. A combination of practitioners and techniques is often used to identify and treat disease. Nanshe - Nature Goddess of Justice Girsu (Tello): Ancient Sumerian City Aya - Goddess of Dawn, Mesopotamia Asipu healers of disease are specially trained to deal with demons. They know which demons are associated with which illness. Cures, spells, incantations and treatments are documented, collected and studied. It takes many years for a person to become an exorcist. Some herbs and plants have curative properties against demon infestation. They might be taken with other ingredients, chewed, brewed, burned, inhaled or used in potions, oils, ointments, enemas or poultice. Ḫulbazizi - Ancient Exorcism Ritual Anzû - Mesopotamian Monster of Mayhem Kish: Glory Days in Ancient Babylonia natural remedies Mesopotamian doctors also have a good understanding of gynecology and women's health. They know how to perform abortions and also can be consulted on matters of male and female fertility. Some ancient herbal remedies include blackseed , nettle and chamomile . Hallucinogens such as fly agaric and opium taken medicinally. The saliva of dogs, now proven to have anti-bacterial properties, is used to heal wounds. Gula - Medicine Goddess of Mesopotamia Goddess Nisaba - First Lady of Writing Abu - Ancient Vegetation Snake God Nigella Sativa , black seed of healers An asipu healer can either identify the disease demon on sight, or use questions or psychic insight to find out who it is. Certain charms, herbal preparations, incense or deific protections are then recommended. Cryptic markings are made and figurines carefully placed. The exorcist might fall into a trance, journey outside the body or dance into a frenzy to communicate with the essential demon and drive it out. Dream Interpretation (Oneiromancy) - Mesopotamia Nergal - Ancient Underworld Gods Ancient Marsh Muse - Rough Horsetail Illness is usually treated with a combination of methods. They include herbal or other natural medicine, chants and incantations, prayers, drums and noise, dance or rhythmic ritual body movements. Surgery if used is part a wholistic treatment rather than a separate procedure. According to the medical tablet for bennu , treatment involves wearing a leather amulet and breathing in fumes from a specially formulated incense, charred over coals. Shulpae , consort of mountain mother Ninhursag , is the entity associated with bennu. Namtar: Underworld Sukkal & Disease Demon Asag - Horrific Disease Demon of Kur Belet-Seri: Underworld Scribe Goddess Shulpae, disease demon and devoted husband While most of Shulpae's activities are benign, bennu is among the most feared diseases of the ancient world. Shulpae is said to act under instruction from the Moon God, Sin . Like priests, physicians work at temples and have special privileges; priests may also be doctors. Doctors shave their heads, or half, to indicate their esteemed rank. The different types of doctor, banu, asu and asipu , are equally respected. Pazuzu - Demon God of Mesopotamia Uruk Mesopotamia: Forefront of Civilization Inanna: Goddess Queen of Heaven Purifying smoke The patient is brought to the temple, though physicians sometimes make house calls. The doctor carries tools of the trade. Ancient Mesopotamia has specialist doctors, dentists, surgeons and veterinarians. Women can be doctors but evidence of female doctors is slim. It's thought women take more of a healing role in the 24th century BCE, less by the 18th, when the Code of Hammurabi systemizes medical practices. Bull of Heaven - Inanna vs Gilgamesh Lamashtu, Baby-Eating Demon of Mesopotamia Ereshkigal & the Mesopotamian Underworld Black marble stele with detail of Code of Hammurabi, 18th century BCE Easing childbirth is considered a joint venture between healers, with the asipu opening channels with magic and incantations. The  šabsūtu or midwife takes charge of the final stages of childbirth and the actual birth. The Mesopotamians know the value of medical cleanliness and hygiene. They even use liquid soap. A person has a far better chance of surviving minor surgery than in 19th century AD Europe, when hospitals are places of suffering and death. 19th Century: Home Gym, Bicycles, Antiseptic Soap & Medicine Herb of Ancients Bizilla - Shining Love Goddess Sukkal In the ancient world good hygiene is known to speed healing Prescriptions of natural products are given by Mesopotamian physicians, often ground and mixed by the doctor in the presence of the patient. Dentistry is unpleasant. According to the prevailing belief, a toothache is caused by the tooth worm . After its creation by the gods, this nasty worm refuses any food except the blood from teeth. Šassūrātu (Sassuratu): Deific Midwives Tooth Worms of Ancient Mesopotamia Lammašaga: Sumerian Angel Goddess Tooth blood ... i want tooth blood ... A dentist recites the incantation for removal of the tooth worm. The procedure then includes treatment of the tooth with herbs, or pulling out the tooth while calling on the gods to defeat the tooth worm. While the art of dentistry is sporadic at the time, the latter treatment seems to have been effective. Tooth extraction is a fairly common dental procedure in the ancient world. A man named Urlugaledinna lives in Mesopotamia c. 3000 BCE. He's renowned far and wide as an expert at healing animals. As the world's first vet, Urlugaledinna receives the title “father of veterinarians.” Mušḫuššu - Snake Dragon Animal of Marduk Bau - Healing Goddess of Babylonia Kotharat - Bronze Age Birth Goddesses Sylvia Rose Books READ: Lora Ley Adventures  - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series READ: Reiker For Hire  - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries Back to Top