Tablet Neo-Assyrian 7thC BC ,Hell/Hades

[Guest Kurt]

Clay tablet inscribed with the Legend of the descent of Ishtar into the Underworld. Finding the gate shut, the goddess threatened to break it down, and to set free the dead to devour the living. The porter hastened to announce her arrival to Allatu, the Queen of the Underworld, who gave him orders to admit her after shehad performed the customary ceremonies. The porter, therefore, brought her through the seven gates of the Underworld, at each of which some portion of her apparel was taken from her, until finally she entered naked into the presence of Allatu, who mocked her and ordered the plague demon to torment her. Meanwhile the earth suffered from the absence of Ishtar, the goddess of Love, and the course of nature in man and beast was changed. Finally, however, by the agency of the great gods, Ishtar was released from the plague demon, who poured the water of life over her, and led her back to earth through the seven gates, where her ornaments and apparel were restored to her.

British Museum K.162