In Early Dynastic Mesopotamia, prayers were also personal, materialized in objects like the Ketef Hinnom silver scrolls (c. 600 BCE), which contained blessings designed to protect the user.

Ancestor worship was a foundational component of the ancient family and, by extension, the city itself. Tombs were not just for disposal but were spaces where families maintained connection with the deceased.

Extensive excavations along the Euphrates River highlight that graves were diverse, ranging from simple earth-cut pits to elaborate tombs. The variation in grave goods indicates significant social stratification, with elite graves showcasing substantial wealth and occasionally human sacrifice.