Brief Description
"This book is a history of religious life in the Ancient Near East from the beginnings of agriculture to Alexander the Great's invasion in the 300s BCE. Daniel C. Snell traces key developments in the history, daily life, and religious beliefs of the people of Ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, and Iran. His research investigates the influence of those ideas on the West, with particular emphasis on how religious ideas from this historical and cultural milieu persist to influence the way modern cultures and religions view the world. Designed to be accessible to students and readers with no prior knowledge of the period, the book uses fictional vignettes to add interest to its material, which is based on careful study of archeological remains and preserved texts. The book will provide a thoughtful summary of the Ancien Near East and includes a comprehensive bibliography to guide readers in further study of related topics"--
Learn More about the Book
This book is a history of religious life in the Ancient Near East from the beginnings of agriculture to Alexander the Great s invasion in the 300s BCE. Daniel C. Snell traces key developments in the history, daily life, and religious beliefs of the people of Ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, and Iran. His research investigates the influence of those ideas on the West, with particular emphasis on how religious ideas from this historical and cultural milieu persist to influence the way modern cultures and religions view the world. Designed to be accessible to students and readers with no prior knowledge of the period, the book uses fictional vignettes to add interest to its material, which is based on careful study of archeological remains and preserved texts. The book will provide a thoughtful summary of the Ancient Near East and includes a comprehensive bibliography to guide readers in further study of related topics."
About the Author
Daniel C. Snell is L. J. Semrod Presidential Professor of History at the University of Oklahoma, Norman. He has also taught at the University of Washington, Connecticut College, Barnard College, Gustavus Adolphus College and Otterbein College. He is the author of eight books, most recently A Companion to the Ancient Near East (2007).
Review Quotes
1. "In sum, Daniel Snell 's book is a first-rate work. Geared primarily to students and non-specialists .. it offers a clear summary of our current understanding of the religions of the Ancient Near East." --BMCR
2. "In sum, Daniel Snell s book is a first-rate work. Geared primarily to students and non-specialists .. it offers a clear summary of our current understanding of the religions of the Ancient Near East." --BMCR"
