Priests and POWER
In Mesopotamia, priests and priestesses had just as much glory as the gods did. There were many of them working in the temple, a cluster of religious buildings in the centre of the city. These priest(esses) had many jobs, all for the well-being of the gods. Some sang and wrote music, some clothed and fed them and some ran religious ceremonies for the people of the city. Some other priests were known to "treat" sick residents and perform exorcisms.
Administrators
The Power to Heal
Religious leaders could also be healing sorcerers called ashipu. With the power of magic, ashipu could drive out the god that was causing an illness (see Worshipping and Disease). The ashipu might also refer the patient to a different kind of healer who was more like a modern day physician (an asu). An asu might prescribe herbal remedies, or wash and bandage a wound.