How were dreams interpreted in ancient Mesopotamian cultures?

In ancient Mesopotamia, dreams were seen as powerful messages from the gods or the spirit world. People believed that dreams could reveal hidden truths, divine will, or warnings about the future. These interpretations played a major role in personal and political decision-making.

Dreams were recorded on clay tablets in cuneiform script, with many examples found in the libraries of Assyria and Babylonia. Professional dream interpreters, often priests or temple scribes, were consulted to decode symbolic meanings.

🌙 Dreams as Divine Communication

Mesopotamians believed gods sent dreams to guide, warn, or bless individuals—especially kings and priests.

📜 Dream Manuals

Texts like the “Dream Book” listed dream symbols with meanings. For example, dreaming of water could signal peace, while fire might warn of conflict.

🛌 Temple Sleep

People sometimes slept in temples to receive prophetic dreams, known as "incubation" rituals.

🧠 Early Psychology?

While spiritual in nature, Mesopotamian dream interpretation also hinted at early ideas of the subconscious and emotional states.