Kate Findley

Picture boats teaming with elephants, monkeys, and water buffalo… 100-room palaces with marble toilet seats … steeped temples towering over cities like mountains. Believe it or not, this world existed thousands of years ago, a time span most of us can barely imagine. Welcome to Mesopotamia, a remarkably advanced civilization that flourished for 2/3 of the time that civilization has existed on Earth. Mesopotamians mastered agriculture; built the first complex urban societies; developed writing, literature, and law; and united vast regions through diplomacy. However, much is still unknown about this fascinating era. While civilizations like Greece and Rome have nearly unbroken academic histories, Mesopotamia has only been recently rediscovered thanks to the decipherment of clay tablets found less than 200 years ago. In this course, you’ll fill in the blanks of your historical understanding as you witness a whole new world opening before your eyes! Ancient Mesopotamia: Life in the Cradle of Civilization, a 24-lecture course taught by Professor Amanda H. Podany, is the first course exclusively dedicated to Mesopotamia and its cultures. Riveting stories about kings and priestesses as well as ordinary people like you and me transport you back to that time, giving you a sense of what it was like to be alive before the internet, cell phones, and modern plumbing. Ultimately what emerges is a message of resilience: even without all those conveniences, humanity not only survived but thrived. The Advent of Agriculture The course begins in the Neolithic era, when early settlers began domesticating animals and crafting complex stone tools, and concludes in the Iron Age, when the Persians conquered the region and ended Mesopotamia’s independent existence. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that progress cannot exclusively be measured in a straight chronological line. Each era has its plusses and minuses. While hunters and gatherers lived a relatively relaxed, abundant life, farming actually added complications. You’ll discover how the Mesopotamians adjusted to this new lifestyle and eventually prevailed. A lesson all of us can take away from this is that when we’re making major changes, sometimes things become worse before they get better! Creating Order Out of Chaos Many unpredictable forces raged through these early people’s lives, from disease to famine to foreign invasion to natural disasters. To compensate for all the uncontrollable factors at play, the Mesopotamians focused on the things they could control, creating orderly societies ruled over by just leaders. Even as far back as 12,000 years ago, the Turkish stone monument Gobekli Tepe suggests advanced coordination and communication skills. From temples to irrigation canals, you’ll witness complex construction projects that required massive organization and cooperation to undertake. Additionally, the Mesopotamians mastered trading and transported textiles, pottery, and other goods across thousands of miles. You’ll also learn how religion functioned as a major unifying force and a way to keep citizens in line in a time before communities had a strong police and military presence. Gods were often used as leverage in political negotiations, and they played a powerful role in the daily lives of inhabitants. Experience the Exciting World of Kings Our fixation with fame, fortune, and celebrity is hardly new, as demonstrated by king worship in ancient Mesopotamia. Public relations campaigns were devised to maintain the king’s favorable image during and after his reign. However, kings weren’t just figureheads--they had to fight to win the respect of their subjects and not be overthrown. Fascinating letters exchanged between royals as well as official documents preserved on clay tablets reveal the following: • • • • • • major responsibilities undertaken by kings such as making sacrifices to the gods, levying taxes, and more; how kings used the gods to justify their actions and demand loyalty; the Shakespearean grace with which kings and queens communicated with one another; how diplomacy was used (often in the form of extravagant gifts) to form alliances and prevent wars; royal outliers who rose from humble origins, with one king’s background presenting a parallel to Moses; a range of ruling styles from tyrannical to benevolent. Explore Diverse, Tight-Knit Communities Equally fascinating, though, are the lives of ordinary people. With her warm and engaging style, Professor Podany personalizes each lecture and paints vivid pictures with her words, as she does here: “…no doubt children ran from one house to another and women chatted while winnowing grain on the rooftops. Families must have eaten together and then slept on the flat roofs of their houses, enjoying the cool night air and staring up at the infinite stars overhead.” Journey through communities small and large, from Catal Hayuk in Turkey, where houses without doors were crammed so close together that occupants had to enter by ladder, to Uruk, a city the size of a big university campus featuring temples with dazzling geometric patterns. You’ll discover: • • • • how families functioned as a safety net; how class systems manifested in different communities; how people divided their time between work and pleasure; the roles played by men, women, and children. You’ll also learn how Mesopotamia was a cosmopolitan society that offered incredible diversity in terms of cultures and languages, which included (to name a few) Sumerian, Akkadian, Magan, and Meluhha. Its rich natural resources brought immigrants from far and wide. Unfortunately, the newcomers were sometimes viewed with suspicion, and during the Ur III period, one king even built a wall to keep them out! Through these stories, you’ll find that many of the narratives revolving around immigrants are still relevant today. Trace the Transformation of the Written Word Fortunately, most people wrote on clay, allowing their writing to be preserved through the centuries. In fact, a quarter of a million tablets have been uncovered and some have yet to be deciphered! Professor Podany charts the evolution of writing from purely transactional to the complex form of artistic expression we know today. While their writing system initially communicated primarily in pictures, it became more efficient and consistent over the years. Soon people could keep records, sign documents, and keep in touch with one another. One of the highlights of this course is the personal letters exchanged between royals, which are filled with drama and intrigue. Just as revealing, though, are the official documents that detail everything from tax records to lists of cargo. While they may seem mundane on the surface, these documents provide an insider’s look at how people lived, worked, and traded with one another. 120,000 cuneiform tablets from the Third Dynasty of Ur teach us: • how households and merchants performed essential economic roles in society; • the myriad of professions people held, from officials to farmers to artisans; • the architectural details of major construction projects such as temples, which required massive workforces. The Tides of War and Peace While the phrase “history repeats itself” is an overgeneralization, one thing is constant: the rise and fall of kingdoms. Life for Mesopotamians as a whole was surprisingly peaceful, but it was often punctuated by periods of warfare. We’ll trace this journey from the earliest-known evidence of warfare, when the city of Hamoukar was conquered, to the end of the Neo-Babylonian empire at the hands of the Persians. You’ll discover: • • • the perceived link between religion and wartime successes and failures; the many theories as to why great empires fell; how times of prosperity were marred by natural disasters, infighting, and foreign invasion. In many cases, though, kingdoms managed to avoid war through diplomacy. Stories of how kings leveraged resources and built relationships offer valuable lessons still applicable today! An Enthusiastic, Knowledgeable Tour Guide Professor Podany’s passion for Mesopotamian culture makes each lecture a joy to listen to. As one of the few true world authorities on the subject and author of an awardwinning book on the ancient Near East, her extensive knowledge illuminates each lecture. She consistently uses clear analogies and references to modern culture to make her concepts relatable while emphasizing the why of the course by weaving profound life lessons into these stories. Visuals including artwork, maps, timelines, and more help to effectively guide you through the course, but if you’re just listening you won’t miss out. Her evocative descriptions and compelling voice bring the material to life. As you’ve learned, our knowledge of Mesopotamian culture is continuing to unfold as more artifacts are examined and translated. Unfortunately, modern day diplomatic issues in the Middle East interfere with our access, but the more we get the more we know. It’s exciting to imagine where our journey will take us as we keep exploring this fascinating region! What You Will Learn 1. Find out how people made sense of unexplained phenomena in a time before Google as they called upon the forces of art, magic, and religion 2. Discover how personal letters offer key political insights and reveal the minutia of marital life and family dynamics 3. Learn how the world’s first justice system protected even the most vulnerable members of society 4. Explore the rise and fall of great empires and the mighty kings who led them 5. Get to know the gods in all their shapes and forms, whose very names helped to promote law and order Brand Perception Deck 1. Become acquainted with a dynamic, ever-changing field. Thousands of Mesopotamian documents offering a glimpse into this fascinating society have only recently been uncovered, and new developments are constantly emerging! 2. Discover the undeniable legacy that the Mesopotamians left on the world, from the invention of writing to the creation of urban societies where people lived harmoniously to legal systems that prioritized justice for all. Some inventions falsely credited to the Greeks in fact originated in Mesopotamia! 3. Get inspired as you discover how Mesopotamians undertook colossal construction projects and embarked on 800-mile caravans, centuries before cars and tractors were even conceived of, and lived lives filled with joy and vigor! Headlines 1. Meet Mesopotamia: The Unsung Hero of History 2. Kings, Gods, and Immigrants: The Mosaic of Mesopotamian Culture 3. Dive into Unchartered Waters With a Decorated Middle East Scholar Lecture Blurbs L1 THE FIRST CIVILIZATION Everyone knows about Egypt. But what do you know of Iranian cuneiform? By the time you’ve finished this course you’ll be one of the elite who can talk eloquently about Iraq, the origins of civilization, and the fascinating history of the Ancient Mediterranean. L2 EARLY SETTLERS-HUNTERS THEN FARMERS It’s hard for us to imagine a world before Internet and cell phones, but as you’ll learn, people thrived thousands of years before these things were conceptualized. Discover the surprising truth about the transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to agriculture and the challenges that farming presented. L3 NEOLITHIC FARMING, TRADE, AND POTTERY Though travel was dangerous, people transported valuable goods like razor sharp obsidian blades across hundreds of miles via chains of merchants. Homes and villages were designed for maximum efficiency, forcing people to literally become close to their neighbors. However, evidence of intricate pottery suggests that not everything was purely functional. L4 TOWNS IN THE UBAID PERIOD-IRRIGATION The Ubaid were an advanced civilization as evidenced by their monumental buildings, huge structures reaching for the sky. Writing was still not invented, but these people were exceptionally organized and communicated extensively. They had measurement units and managed their populations with systems of control and care. L5 FIRST CITIES- WRITING, BRONZE, AND COLONIES Witness the rise of urban civilization 5,500 years ago. This extreme time window reveals a mere 200-generation gap from our current time to the beginning of civilization! Discover how and why the first writing system developed as well as the earliest-known evidence of warfare. L6 MESOPOTAMIA’S FIRST KINGS History’s first royals were scrutinized and obsessed over just as they are today. This lecture reveals the fascinating world of kings, who devised public relations campaigns to stay in power while also performing a myriad of duties from diplomacy to levying taxes in order to earn the people’s support. L7 MESOPOTAMIAN WORKERS AND WORSHIPERS In a chaotic environment where the causes of diseases and natural disasters were not widely know, gods were relied upon to provide order and stability to life. Learn how remainders found in tombs suggest a belief in the afterlife. A huge workforce was needed to maintain the grand temples. L8 THE FIRST EMPEROR— SARGON Discover how two giant kingdoms lived completely isolated from each other like planets. Meet King Lugalzagesi who ruled over multiple states that we now call Iraq through a series of conquests. You’ll also learn about the equally powerful King Sargon and his mysterious origins. L9 ARTS AND THE GODS DURING THE AKKADIAN EMPIRE Before photographs and portraits, artistic depictions of humans were viewed as magic. In fact, statues acted as stand-ins for kings! Different gods had different roles and were as much a part of everyday life as the weather. Lyrics by the world’s first author depict the alliance between humans and gods. L10 THE AKKADIAN EMPIRE FALLS; GUDEA OF LAGASH Learn the theories behind the fall of the Akkadian Empire. Major kings during this time run the gamut from Naram-Sin, a rebel who supposedly angered the gods, to Gudea, a pious and benevolent king who set the standard for positive leadership. L11 UR III HOUSEHOLDS, ACCOUNTS, AND ZIGGURATS Although rulers during this period attempted to create a “cult of the kings,” local leaders, merchants, and even households performed essential roles in society. Cuneiform records reveal a remarkable level of organization from taxes to diplomacy. You’ll also witness the emergence of loans and standardization. L12 IMMIGRANTS AND TRADERS IN THE EARLY SECOND MILLENIUM The influx of immigrants greatly enriched the region, but we also see issues that parallel those in today’s world. This was a time of warfare, famine, and inflation but also increased education and opportunity. Join the merchants on their 800-mile caravans as they deliver tin and textiles. L13 ROYALTY AND INTRIGUE AT MARI Here you’ll gain an intimate glimpse into the lives of royal families, from arranged marriages to extravagant gifts to family squabbles. Archival letters are filled to the brim with juicy details concerning marital strife, palace rivalries, and prophet’s visions. L14 KINGDOMS AND SOCIETIES IN THE OLD BABYLONIAN PERIOD Meet the mighty King Hammurabi, who ruled for an incredible 43 years. You’ll also discover how the family can be viewed as a microcosm for society with each member playing an important role. Delve into the daily lives of families and the laws governing their behavior. L15 JUSTICE IN THE OLD BABYLONIAN PERIOD Although “lawyer” and “jury” were not yet part of the lexicon, the Babylonians still strived to provide justice. Two trials provide an insider’s look into the workings of their legal system. Records of laws reveal types of crimes as well as the people’s most pressing concerns regarding family and finance. L16 WARFARE, DIPLOMACY, AND CLUES TO A DARK AGE The kingdom of Hana and an intriguing Kassite text provides clues to this mysterious dark age which lasted for about 100 years. Few records survive from this period, so we’ll do some detective work to fill in the gaps. L17 TUSHRATTA AND ROYAL MARRIAGE Discover how Mesopotamia successfully avoided war with Egypt through the power of diplomacy. Letters between King Tushratta and the pharaoh offer valuable insights into how leaders formed alliances through extravagant gifts and arranged marriages. L18 LAND GRANTS, POWER AND FAVOR IN MITTANI In a world before mass media, learn how Mittanian kings maintained visibility and control without using force. The story of a gold statue, though, reveals how Mittani’s golden era would soon end. L19 THE ULUBURUN SHIPWRECK, AND THE END OF PEACE This dramatic installation details the end of the glory of an entire civilization as it devolved into paranoid cities robbing and looting each other until finally nothing. No remains and no writing exist in the slip into another dark age. L20 THE EXPANSION OF ASSYRIA Learn about the grand state of Assyria with its majestic lion sculptures and vast history stretching before the bible. Very religious people, Assyrians also farmed extensively. Their kings ran the gamut from kind benefactors who threw parties to reward their workers to brutal oppressors who publically impaled prisoners on stakes. L21 GILGAMESH AND ASHURBANIPAL’S LIBRARY Here we discover the intellectual King Ashurbanipal whose library was so ancient it is considered one of the first. We find clay tablets of complicated mathematics and ancient Sumerian language. An incredible discovery, the world’s oldest epic poem, The Epic of Gilgamesh, is found in his library. L22 THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE, WAR, AND COLLAPSE Discover how Babylon held spectacular ceremonies for their king but frequently battled with the Assyrians. Hear of the mysterious hanging gardens that sat magically on roofs. Since the Assyrians made enemies of everyone, we watch their tremendous fall as a civilization succumbing to invasion. L23 BABYLON AND THE NEW YEAR’S FESTIVAL Hear the glory of the Babylonian creation story involving Marduk and the evil god Tiamat. We relive records of the massive Akitu religious festivals where the gods were brought to life with musicians, dancers, priests, and royal family. You’ll also learn of the bizarre ritual that followed each festival. L24 END OF THE NEO-BABYLONIAN EMPIRE Finally we arrive at the exciting Axial Age where new concepts and deep philosophical questions were explored by the elite across ALL of Eurasia. You’ll also witness societies begin the transition to monotheism. Mesopotamian culture gradually died out, but it left an incredible legacy!