Babylonian Cosmogony

Babylonian cosmogony is an ancient Mesopotamian worldview describing how the universe originated. It centers on a primordial chaos, often represented by the goddess Tiamat, symbolizing the saltwater ocean, and Apsu, representing freshwater. These waters gave rise to gods, who then battled for order. The chief god, Marduk, defeated Tiamat, creating the world from her body—her split carcass forming the heavens and earth. This myth reflects their understanding of cosmic order emerging from chaos, emphasizing the gods' role in shaping the universe and establishing the world's structure through divine conflict and transformation.