Eridu

Oldest city in Sumerian tradition (modern Tell Abu Shahrain in southern Iraq) and principal cult center of the water and wisdom deity Enki (Ea), whose temple E-abzu stood above the primordial freshwater Abzu.

Core Themes

• Recognized in the Sumerian King List as the first city where kingship descended from heaven under Alulim.
• Seat of the E-abzu temple and the sacred Divine Essence (Me) transferred to Uruk in Inanna and Enki.

Related Concepts & Sources

Enki (patron deity), Abzu (primordial freshwater domain), City States (urban network), Myth of Adapa (set in Eridu)