The Spirits of Babylon

Ghosts play roles of varying importance from culture to culture. In the western world, the existence of ghosts is not a heavily debated topic among people. Mostly, people have their opinions, and they are content to let others have their own, even contrary, opinions on the subject. Regardless of personal beliefs, ghosts play a significant role in the modern world, primarily through entertainment mediums. Naturally, though, ghosts are not a new, imaginative creation. But, just how far back do beliefs in ghosts go?

In the 1840s, a clay tablet that had been buried by the Babylonians was uncovered at the site of the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh, which is where modern-day Mosul, Iraq is located. The tablet ended up in the British Museum in London where archaeologist Reginald Campbell Thompson translated it. In 1903, the contents, along with those of other translations, were compiled into a book, The Devils and Evil Spirits of Babylonia: Being Babylonian and Assyrian Incantations Against the Demons, Ghouls, Vampires, Hobgoblins, Ghosts, and Kindred Evil Spirits, Which Attack Mankind. Quite a title!

The clay tablet contained words or incantations to exorcise and repel evil beings. Thus, some believe the tablet is the earliest evidence of a belief in ghosts or malevolent spirits. As the title of Thompson’s book of translations suggests, the Assyrians and Babylonians believed in many different types of evil entities. As part of the ritual of exorcising the ghosts, figurines would be made. When the incantations were said, the figurines were present. The spirits would then leave the person and enter one of the figurines. 

Although placed in the British Museum in the 19th century, the tablet has never been displayed for the public to view. Still, images of the clay tablets, which are said to be small enough to fit in one’s hand, are fascinating to observe. 

If you, like many, are a believer in ghosts, know that you are in good company. Going back in history at least to the civilizations of Mesopotamia, ghosts have been a part of the earth’s varied cultures and belief systems. Of course, there is always a sinister side that is thought of and depicted with spirits of the dead. Perhaps, though, the fact that arguably all people live their lives without the negative influence of spirits should convince us that there is less to fear than movies and books convey.