In this episode of Digital Hammurabi, host Megan Lewis welcomes Dr. Amanda Podany, a renowned expert in ancient history, particularly focusing on Assyria and Mesopotamia during the Middle and Late Bronze Age. Together, they delve into the challenges of uncovering the lives of non-elite individuals in the ancient past, a topic Dr. Podany explores in her acclaimed book, "Weavers, Scribes and Kings: A New History of the Ancient Near East." Dr. Podany discusses how many historical sources have been predominantly created by or for the wealthy ruling classes, yet emphasizes that it is indeed possible to gain insights into the experiences of everyday people. Tune in for an engaging conversation that bridges scholarly insights with accessible discussions on ancient history.

Timestamps:

[00:02:28] Interest in ancient Near East.

[00:09:46] Ancient letters and personal lives.

[00:11:21] Scribes and the non-elite lives.

[00:15:51] Evidence of daily life.

[00:22:18] Average life trajectories in history.

[00:23:00] Family dynamics in Mesopotamian life.

[00:27:58] Careers beyond agriculture.

[00:30:51] Professions in ancient societies.

[00:35:13] Favorite character in research.

[00:38:20] Audience questions

In this episode of Digital Hammurabi, host Megan Lewis welcomes back writer and journalist Emily Wilson to discuss her latest book, "Gilgamesh," the second installment in her epic trilogy about the Sumerians. Emily shares insights into the continuation of the story, which follows the goddess Inanna, her attendant Ninshubur, and the hero Gilgamesh, while introducing new characters and voices. Megan and Emily also touch on the thematic elements of the series, including a brief discussion of the myth of Enlil and Ninlil, with a trigger warning regarding sensitive content. This episode provides fascinating insights into how Wilson approaches Mesopotamian mythology, particularly the complexities of weaving various myths into a cohesive narrative. Listeners are encouraged to catch up on the first book in the trilogy before the third installment is released in August 2025. Tune in for an engaging conversation about ancient history and storytelling!

In this episode of Digital Hammurabi, host Megan Lewis welcomes Dr. Mark Goodacre, a Professor of Religious Studies at Duke University, to discuss the Synoptic Gospels. Dr. Goodacre, who has an extensive academic background including degrees from the University of Oxford and several published works, shares insights into his upcoming university-level course on the Synoptic Gospels through Bart Ehrman's Biblical Studies Academy. Designed for non-academics, the course reflects Dr. Goodacre's teaching approach, which does not require prior knowledge in biblical studies. The conversation explores the significance of the Gospels, the historical Jesus, and the resources available for understanding Christian origins. Tune in to learn more about this fascinating topic and Dr. Goodacre's contributions to the field.

Affiliate link for The Mysteries of the Synoptics course: https://digitalhammurabi--ehrman.thrivecart.com/synoptic-gospels-course/
Affiliate link for the Biblical Studies Academy: https://digitalhammurabi--ehrman.thrivecart.com/biblical-studies-academy/
Dr. Goodacre's homepage: https://markgoodacre.org/