Humanity has seen many advancements over thousands of years. And amongst discovering fire, inventing various machinery, and harnessing the power of lightning from the skies for new innovations, they also found ways to shape and transform their core beliefs and ideologies.
While we look back on the journey through ancient times, we're on a quest to uncover the identity of the oldest and most important god. People all over the world have worshipped various gods since the beginning of civilization. Let's take a closer look at some of the names that are known to be the oldest gods.
Exploring the Ancient Gods
Here’s a list of the oldest gods that existed in the ancient civilization.
1. Shangdi (1600 BC - 1046 BC)
Shangdi was a deity worshipped in ancient China. He was believed to be the source of victory, harvests, and the fate of the people. While not as widely worshipped as other gods, Shangdi was considered the supreme being in Chinese culture. Evidence of his worship can be found in oracle bone inscriptions from the Shang Dynasty and the Classic of History. The Shang kings emphasized his importance, attributing blessings from him through the spirits of their ancestors.
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2. Itzamná (2600 BC - 900 AD)
Itzamná was a central figure in Mayan culture, revered as the father of the Mayan people. He was associated with creation, divinity, and writing. Itzamná was believed to embody the dualities of the universe, such as light and dark, life and death. His representation often depicted him as an old, wise man, and he was also seen as a god of medicine during the later Mayan period. The earliest references to Itzamná come from the Mayan Kabah Pyramid in Yucatan.
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3. Nun (3150 BC - 30 BC)
In ancient Egyptian mythology, Nun was considered the primordial waters from which all life emerged. He was the father of the sun god Ra and was associated with the chaotic waters of creation. Nun's female counterpart, Naunet, was also revered, though less is known about her. Evidence of Nun's worship can be found in ancient Egyptian texts and artifacts, dating back to the second and first millenniums BC.
4. Shiva (3300 BC - 1900 BC)
Shiva is a prominent deity in Hinduism, known as the destroyer within the Hindu Trinity, along with Brahma (the creator) and Vishnu (the preserver). He is the one pre-existing in Hindu mythology, with early depictions found in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.
The Pashupati Seal, which was discovered at a site of the Indus Valley Civilization, is considered a proto-Shiva figure and dates back to around 3300–1900 BC. Shiva is also associated with the Pashupati form, which is believed to be the supreme deity in Shaivism, a sect of Hinduism. The Nataraja, a dancing form of Shiva, and the Kalpa Vighara idol are other early depictions of Shiva, dating back thousands of years.
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5. Anu (3500 BC - 500 BC)
Anu was a Mesopotamian deity, often referred to as the "Father of the Gods." He was associated with kingship and was believed to rule over Heaven. Anu's consort, Antu, was the goddess of the earth and was associated with writing and accounts. There has been evidence of Anu's worship that can be found in Mesopotamian texts and inscriptions, with his influence dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.
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Unraveling the Mystery
As you look back into the histories of these ancient gods, you’ll realize that finding and deciding on the oldest god in the world is a complex task. While archaeological evidence and ancient texts provide insights into their worship, the exact origins and timelines of these gods remain still remain grounded in a mystery.
Our exploration reveals that ancient civilizations worshipped a multitude of gods, each with their own unique characteristics and significance. From the grand temples of Egypt to the intricate carvings of India, the worship of these gods was central to the cultures of the ancient world.
The Legacy of Animalism
Animalism is a very ancient philosophy revering the spirits of wild animals that exist on earth.
Before the rise of organized religion, early humans did not worship rocks or idols rather they they worshipped animals and believed in their spiritual significance. This practice was known as animalism, which reflected humanity's deep connection to nature and the divine. Today, ancient civilizations draw depictions of various wild and domestic animals in prehistoric paintings that wisely convey their importance and significance, especially during ancient times.
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The Ultimate Enigma
Despite our efforts, the question of who is the oldest god remains unanswered. The diversity of ancient cultures and the complexities of their beliefs make it challenging to determine a single, definitive answer.
Takeaway
In the end, we realize that the search for the oldest god is not just about finding a definitive answer. It's about understanding the rich tapestry of human belief and the ways in which ancient cultures seek to make sense of the world around them. While we may never know for certain who the oldest god is, the journey itself is a testament to the enduring power of human curiosity and imagination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Is Shiva the oldest god?
A. Yes. Many people believe that Lord Shiva is Sayambhu which means he’s not born from a human body and is self-created. He was there when nothing else existed in this world, and he’ll still be there after life in this universe comes to an end.
Q. What do Muslims call God?
A. ‘Allah’ is the most commonly used word by Muslims to address God.
Q. Who is the supreme God?
A. In Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe is considered the supreme god.
Q. How many gods are there?
A. There are over 16,000 gods and goddesses in Hindu mythology.
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