What was the Sumerian view of death and burial practices?

The Sumerians were a civilization that lived in Mesopotamia, which is now modern-day Iraq, between the 4th and 3rd millennium BCE. They believed in an afterlife, and that death was simply a transition from one world to another. Their view of death and burial practices was shaped by their religious beliefs, which revolved around a pantheon of gods and goddesses.

The Sumerians believed that the afterlife was a dark and gloomy place known as the 'Land of No Return'. They believed that everyone, regardless of social status or wealth, would end up in the same place after death. As a result, they developed complex burial practices to ensure that the dead had everything they needed for their journey to the afterlife.

Sumerian burials were typically conducted in cemeteries outside of city walls. The dead were buried with a range of grave goods, including pottery, jewelry, and weapons. In some cases, human sacrifices were made to accompany the dead on their journey. The Sumerians also believed in the importance of ancestor worship, and would regularly offer food and drink to their deceased relatives.

The Sumerian view of death and burial practices was deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs. They believed that death was not the end, but rather the beginning of a new journey. Their elaborate burial practices were a way to ensure that the dead had everything they needed for their journey to the afterlife.