Inana

Inana is an ancient Mesopotamian goddess, one of the most important deities in the Sumerian pantheon. She was worshipped as the goddess of love, war, and fertility. Her cult was widespread throughout Sumer and later Akkad, Assyria, and Babylonia, where she was known as Ishtar. Many myths and hymns describe her adventures, including her descent into the underworld and her sacred marriage to the shepherd-king Dumuzid.

The name Inana itself is of uncertain etymology, though a common interpretation is 'Lady of Heaven' (from *nin-an-a). Her worship dates back to the Uruk period (c. 4000–3100 BCE), making her one of the oldest attested goddesses in human history. Her influence extended beyond Mesopotamia, with parallels found in other ancient Near Eastern goddesses.