The Priestly System in Sumer and Babylon
Abstract
The ancient Near East knew many terms for the religious figures who oversaw the performance of rituals. Since most archaeological evidence does not clearly define their religious functions, it is difficult to understand and precisely determine their meanings. Therefore, it can be said that all temple staff who had only a secondary role in performing religious rites were often described as priests with their own ranks. In Assyria, this term was also used as a royal title. All the priests working in the major temples were considered temple employees. The duties of priests generally included supervising the service of the gods and temples, leading prayers, and performing various rituals. Each priest had a title according to his specific role in the temple.
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