Did You Know?
The Akitu Festival is one of the oldest recorded religious festivals in the world.
Akitu ~ Babylonian New Year
Akitu is the Babylonian New Year festival, celebrated to honor the supreme god Marduk, his crown prince Nabû and other gods. The name
Akitu is very ancient. In the third millennium BCE, the Sumerian population of southern Mesopotamia celebrated the festival of the sowing of barley ~ the
á-ki-ti-še-gur-ku. It was celebrated in the first month of the year, specifically starting on the first New Moon after Spring Equinox and continuing for the next twelve days. In the Babylonian calendar, this month was known as Nisannu. The ancient Babylonians already called it
rêš šattim ~ "beginning of the year."
Celebrated for several millennia throughout ancient Mesopotamia, more than just a religious ceremony, the Akitu acted as a political device employed by the monarchy and the central priesthood to ensure the supremacy of the king, the national god, and his capital city. Politics and religion in Mesopotamia were irrevocably intertwined. Myths and their supportive rituals justified social institutions and legitimized rulers.
Our plans to celebrate Akitu at AncientWorlds are just now getting underway. Some citizens are already working on a sequel to the award-winning Choose Your Own Destiny Adventure. Unveiled during GoldFest 2007, participants chose a character they wished to play and joined Dr. Moony, Professor of Natural History and Anthropology, on a dangerous journey in search of long-lost tomb of Nergal. The event was a big success and won the coveted AW Gems Award. For a teaser about Dr. Moony's upcoming adventure during Akitu 2008, click here.
Unveiling Persepolis
Known far and wide for its beautiful Achaemenid reliefs and architecture,
Persepolis is Mesopotamia's newest Hood development. Orginally named Parsa by
Darius I the Great, Persepolis stands at the foot of Kuh-i-Rahmat, or "Mountain of Mercy," in the plain of Marv Dasht about 400 miles south of the present capital city of Teheran. Darius elected to build Parsa as his new dynastic seat, replacing Pasargadae some 25 miles to the north. The two Districts of Persepolis here at AncientWorlds,
The Apadana and
The Harem, have recently been developed and boast exciting new tenants:
The newest branch of AW's Picture Library: Mesopotamian Branch, is a recent addition to The Apadana. This branch is part of the Pictures Library Network at AncientWorlds, recently created by Rayhaneh Etana. The Pictures Library is a unique developmental concept bringing authentic historical art to the members of AncientWorlds.
In The Harem District, Bow-chicka-wow-wow is the name of ApilIshtar Etana's palace where we can discuss our favorite women in history no matter their reputation. I foresee quizzes and gossip at her Famous Harlots board in the future.
Want to help?
We will celebrate Akitu in early April. Right now, we are seeking creative ideas for Mesopotamia's one and only festival held each year at AncientWorlds. Visit
The Akitu 2008 Planning board and post your ideas. The more, the merrier!
On a sad note, Mesopotamia must say goodbye to Scribe, Ashurbanipal Assurbanipal. Due to real life time constraints, Ash has decided to step down as Scribe, but hopes to visit AncientWorlds occasionally. He has written several articles for Mesopotamia, and worked diligently as a welcomer to new Mesopotamians. Goodbye, Ash! We will miss you.
Anyone interested in submitting articles, group highlights, or other items of interest for our Mesopotamian World page in the ACTA, please contact me with the URL of your item. Thank you for helping us make Mesopotamia a great place to live.
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