If Jupiter becomes steady: Some comments on celestial omens concerning Jupiter/Marduk according to cuneiform tablets

Duman H.

Kayseri Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, cilt.8, sa.1, ss.63-83, 2026 (TRDizin)

Özet

This work is a reasearch article that highlights the importance of planet Jupiter in ancient Mesopotamian astronomy and astrology and provides an in-depth interpretation of omens related to this planet. Studies have generally approached the omen series from the point of view of astronomical science and have not focused much on what the omens actually meant. The omens sampled in this study are analyzed in detail and different information about ancient Mesopotamia is obtained. Jupiter is regarded as the largest planet by the ancient Mesopotamians and referred to as King Star, associated with the god Marduk, a figure of central importance in Mesopotamian belief systems. The movements of Jupiter were carefully observed by diviners, and omens were formulated accordingly. While the steady position of Jupiter was interpreted as favorable, its appearance in the same omen as a malefic planet was generally considered unfavorable. In addition to these interpretations, Jupiter’s movements were also used in relation to issues such as participation in military campaigns, regulation of market commodities, weather forecasting, and omens based on the planet’s color. These interpretations were recorded in a comprehensive series of celestial omens known as Enūma Anu Enlil. Comprising more than seven thousand omens, this series made a substantial contribution to the development of astronomical knowledge and has survived to the present day. Although the fragmented condition of the cuneiform tablets and the complex nature of the omen texts posed certain challenges, familiarity with ancient Mesopotamian history, culture, and religion, alongside basic astronomical knowledge, facilitated a clearer understanding of the material