An Akkadian General strategizes with his advisors.

Updated 11 November, 2024 - 12:30 Aleksa Vučković

Mythology's Role in Ancient Politics and War

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In ancient times, people often viewed the world through the lens of their beliefs and traditions. Mythologies of ancient cultures were much more than collections of old stories and legends - they were the core of a nation’s identity, and the foundation of their political power and social structure. Across time and through many civilizations, myths and old tales were closely entwined with political ideologies, doctrines, military efforts, and society’s belief in authority. In many ways, the myths became instrumental for legitimizing great conquests, wars, and regime changes. They promoted unity in a society and strengthened the position of a ruling class. So, in many ways, our history is founded upon myths. But what role exactly did it play?

War Justified Through Myth

From the beginning of the earliest of world civilizations, myths abounded in them. And it was to them that ancient leaders frequently turned to when needing to justify conquest and war. In this sense, they often legitimized war as a “divine” right. This means that they placed the gods and heroes of their pantheon into an active role within these wars, and thus created an imperative for their people to fight in them as well. For example, in Mesopotamia, religion and mythology were closely connected to wars and expansions, as well as political legitimacy. The rulers of Akkadia and Sumeria often invoked the will of their pantheons, in a way to justify their expansionist campaigns. Most notable was the famed King Sargon of Akkad (~2334 to 2279 BC), who attributed his successes in war to the favor of the goddess of war and love, Ishtar (Inanna). Being endorsed by a deity was not just symbolic, as it implied that the gods too “willed” the expansion of Akkad. This justified the wars of Sargon and gave them the backing of a higher power.