REL 301 Ancient Near Eastern Religions & Cultures

Influences & Survivals

As you read the assignment, consider the following issues:

1. How has ancient Near Eastern culture and religion influenced contemporary cultures and religions? Give examples.

2. How was this influence transmitted? Through literature? Religion? Archeology? How have the modes of transmission affected the nature of this influence?

3. Why are some ancient cultures (Israel, Egypt) more popular in modern culture than others (Mesopotamia)?