1. Mostly polytheistic: each force of nature represented divine power, gods were personifications of cosmic phenomena
2. Monstrous forces tried to destroy the gods, a strong god had to defeat them in reward for supreme power over other gods and people
3. Every city and usually state had its own supreme god. Chief god of a capital city usually became the state and supreme god.
4. Integrated in political structures and social life
5. Anthropomorphic (form of human beings)
6. Human characteristics
7. Gods were worshipped to obtain their favour

1. Important part in religious activities
2. Sometimes served a double function: king & high priest
3. Responsible for ensuring the will of the gods was done, winning the gods' favour
4. Hardly ever considered divine themselves. In Egypt the king was believed to be the incarnation

Egypt: life continuous under the same pleasant condition on earth (if body remains intact --> therefore mummifying)

Mesopotamians: bleak prospect, deceased to go to dismal area inside the earth