Schneider (religion, Claremont Graduate U.) presents an introduction to the extant data on religion in ancient Mesopotamia (from prehistory to the conquest of Babylon by the Persian king Cyrus in 539 BC) and its interpretation. Chapters are presented on Mesopotamian myths, the identity of gods and how Mesopotamians related to them, priests and other religious personnel working inside and outside of temples, temple practices, and the role of Mesopotamian kings in the religious construction of the state. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)