Elamite mythology

Elam is an ancient country occupying the southwestern part of the plateau Iranian, around the current provinces of Khuzestan and Fars, which correspond to its two main regions, that of Susa and that of Anshan/Anzan. Its myths and legends form the mythology Elamite The Elamite country, attested by texts ranging from the end of the IV^e millennium av. AD to I^er millennium apr. AD, covered different geographic and political realities during its long history.

It was sometimes divided into several political entities, especially until the III^e millennium av. AD, but also several times thereafter, and it knew on the other hand phases of unification, under the impulse of powerful dynasties (in particular Sukkalmah, Igehalkides, Shutrukides), especially in II^e millennium av. AD From I^er millennium av. AD, Elam is reduced to its western part, around Susiana, the eastern part being occupied by the Persians, who gave it the name it has kept since (Persia/Fars).

The Elamite country lost its political autonomy after its fight against Assyria and its conquest by the Persians, even if it seems to have revived several centuries later, through the kingdom of Élymaïde. Survivals of this ancient country and its people still seem attested until the beginning of the II^e millennium apr. J.-C.

The history of Elam is difficult to dissociate from that of neighboring Mesopotamia, which exercised a strong influence on these territories. Mesopotamian sources are essential for rediscovering the Elamite civilization, supplemented by those from sites in the region, above all from Susa.

They reveal a set of heterogeneous regions presenting cultural originalities (perceptible in religious worship and art), but many aspects remain obscure in the current state of scientific knowledge (for example the political organization, the activities of production, mythology).

• Elamite religion
• The Elamite pantheon
• Stele of King Untash-Napirisha
• The Paleo-Elamite dynasties
• The Mid-Elamite dynasties
• The neo-Elamite period
• The kingdom of Elymais
• The Kings of Elam, Haltamtu and Susiana
• Chogha Zanbil and the Ziggurats
• The biblical city of Shushan