The Mesopotamian Tree of Life includes the Sumerian Tree of Life, the Akkadian Tree of Life, the Babylonian Tree of Life and the Assyrian Tree of Life
The concept of a "tree of life" is seen all the way back to the birth of civilization. We see a sacred, honored tree in the first ancient writings of Mesopotamia.
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image credit - wikimedia creative commons - Mesopotamian
Cylinder Seal Impression - The tree is between two figures
and under a winged disk icon. |
The Mesopotamian Tree of Life is most termed and known of today as a sacred tree by scholars. While it is definitely a motif seen over and over again, meaning it held much significance, there is not anything in ancient writings that call or describe the commonly seen tree motif as a "tree of life." In fact, this is true of any ancient tree of life. Today, we use "tree of life" as an umbrella term, a metaphor.
We believe the tree had religious significance, as it is most often includes a winged disc icon above (a God) and two protectors, one on either side bringing water for the tree. Hence, it is sacred, protected tree, a "tree of life."
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