The term “patron deity" refers to the chief deity, a god or goddess, of a city (from the Latin patronus or protector). In Mesopotamia, the city was believed to belong to the patron deity who lived there and protected it. When it was taken by force, the deity was thought to have turned against it. The victor took away the cult statue of the patron deity and all others in the city, removing divine protection from the city for many years. This practice was not confined to Mesopotamia; it has also been found in Rome, for example.