A fascinating analysis of texts from Neo-Assyrian Mesopotamia (934–612 BCE) revealed that the relationship between emotions and parts of the body—something we consider intuitive today—was already recognized over 3,000 years ago. This groundbreaking study, which compared ancient records with modern perceptions, uncovers similarities and differences in how distinct cultures understand emotions and their reflections on the human body.

Study Overview

Researchers examined texts from ancient Mesopotamia, covering regions corresponding to Iraq, Turkey, and Egypt. These documents from the Neo-Assyrian Empire, marked by rich cultural and literary production, associated emotions with specific parts of the human body, often based on cultural beliefs and anatomical observations.

To conduct the analysis, researchers created body maps that allowed them to compare the emotional associations of the time with contemporary conceptions. This approach revealed impressive continuities and significant changes over the centuries, demonstrating how cultural and historical factors determine the connection between the body and emotions.

Key Findings

The study showed emotional associations that, in many cases, remain universal while also identifying significant transformations over time.

In ancient Mesopotamia, the heart was the center of positive emotions such as love, pride, and happiness—a conception that stands. The stomach, however, was associated with feelings of sadness and suffering, resonating with modern expressions like "butterflies in the stomach" or "anguish in the stomach." However, some associations have faded over time. For example, the liver was considered the "seat of the soul" and a symbol of happiness that no longer maintains this connection in our contemporary imagination. Anger, which Neo-Assyrian texts associated with the legs and feet, indicating movement or action, is often described as an emotion that "rises to the chest" or "warms the head."

The Role of Culture and Language

The emotional associations present in ancient texts reflect how culture, language, and beliefs influence the perception of emotions and their relationship with the body.

In Mesopotamia, liver symbolism was closely linked to its significance in religious rituals, such as animal sacrifices, seen as a sign of life or happiness. Language molded feeling expression, influencing how different cultures "mapped" emotions onto the human body. This cultural and linguistic context is essential for understanding how these concepts evolved.

The Evolution of Understanding Emotions

Some associations between emotions and the body have remained consistent, while others have evolved due to scientific advances, cultural shifts, and language changes.

Historically, organs such as the liver and heart were viewed through a spiritual lens, carrying profound symbolic meanings. Today, modern understanding prioritizes a biological or psychological perspective, reflecting how the prevailing beliefs of each era influence how we perceive the body. Despite this, associations like love linked to the heart are ubiquitous and transcend time and culture. Others, like anger tied to the legs, illustrate how specific societal needs and worldviews shape emotions uniquely.

Importance of the Research

The study of emotional associations in Neo-Assyrian texts reminds us of how deeply rooted concepts of emotion are in human cultures and how they evolve.

Comparing emotional maps from the past and present illustrates the origins of many of our expressions and beliefs, underscoring the crucial role of biology, language, and culture in forming these connections. Additionally, understanding how these associations change over time can help build bridges between cultures, recognizing that while human emotions are universal, their expression is influenced by social and historical factors.

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The discoveries about the connections between emotions and the body in ancient Mesopotamia offer a glance into humanity's shared roots. These associations, which shape our language and culture, reveal how seemingly abstract feelings are deeply embedded in physical experience.

By exploring the emotional maps of the past, we learn more about ancient societies and gain new perspectives on how emotions continue to shape our identity and evolution as a species. This study is a powerful reminder that even separated by millennia, humans share a rich tapestry of emotions and meanings, intertwining body, mind, and culture.

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Access the original report on Science News and check out the whole study available here. Explore the millennia-old roots of emotions and expand your knowledge about human history!