In Sumerian text, the Abzu (or Apsu) is the primordial, subterranean freshwater ocean beneath the earth, considered the source of all wells, springs, rivers, and life itself, and is also the divine realm of the wise god Enki (Ea).
It represents the depths of creation, wisdom, and hidden power, distinct from the saltwater sea surrounding the world, and serves as the divine foundation from which the cosmos emerged.
The Sumerian Genesis describes how the cosmic freshwater ocean surrounds our planet (created in its midst) on all sides. Salt sea serpent Tiamat is indicated by the green areas, so the sketch shows the same as Babylon's world map, now in side view.A breathable air bubble clings to the Earth's surface, with the Abzû as a roof, like on Athrahasis' ("Noah's") lifeboat. Other details, such as "Noah's" island Dilmun, are taken from the Epic of Gilgamesh.
An important technical detail are the gate sluices built into sky. Through them, the gods around Enlil, who knew very well how to construct irrigation systems, supplied their land Eden with rain, but also unleashed the great flood. It is not unlikely that Abzû, Tiamat, and the flood represent the source of Leviathan, a human-devouring cosmic sea monster.

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