The Sumerian religion was a complex belief system practiced in ancient Mesopotamia, centered around a pantheon of gods and goddesses. These deities, such as Anu, the sky god, and Inanna, the goddess of love and war, were believed to control various aspects of life and nature. Temples, known as ziggurats, served as places of worship and were often dedicated to specific gods. Rituals and offerings were essential in Sumerian religion, as they aimed to appease the gods and ensure their favor. The Sumerians believed in an afterlife, where the dead would journey to the Underworld, a dark and dreary place. This belief influenced their burial practices and the importance of maintaining good relations with the divine.