Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Hebrew Literature
The ancient Middle East is often called the cradle of civilization. In prehistoric times, people gathered in the fertile river valleys of Mesopotamia, Canaan,and Egypt— the Fertile
Crescent—to farm. From their interactions arose the basic elements of civilization: law, commerce, arts, religion, education, and literature. On this foundation were built many later cultures, including our own.
Crescent—to farm. From their interactions arose the basic elements of civilization: law, commerce, arts, religion, education, and literature. On this foundation were built many later cultures, including our own.
Reading Selections
Mesopotamian Literature
The Epic of Gilgamesh
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Egyptian Literature
from The Book of the Dead
Adoration of the Disk
New Kingdom Poetry
from The Book of the Dead
Adoration of the Disk
New Kingdom Poetry
Sacred Texts
Hebrew Literature - from Genesis, Psalms 23 and 104, The Book of Ruth
Mayan Literature - Popol Vuh
from the New Testament - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Arabia - from the Qur'an - The Exordium, Daylight
India - from the Rig-Veda - Creation Hymn and Burial Hymn
India - from the Mahabharata - Arjung, the Mighty Archer and Hundred Questions
Hebrew Literature - from Genesis, Psalms 23 and 104, The Book of Ruth
Mayan Literature - Popol Vuh
from the New Testament - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Arabia - from the Qur'an - The Exordium, Daylight
India - from the Rig-Veda - Creation Hymn and Burial Hymn
India - from the Mahabharata - Arjung, the Mighty Archer and Hundred Questions
Comparative Literature"The Lion Makers" from the Punchatantra
India, c. 200 BCE
"The Dog and the Wolf" by Aesop
Greece, c. 600-500 BCE
"The Oak and the Reed" by Jean de la Fontaine
France, c. 1668-1678
"The Elephant Who Challenged the World" by James Thurber
United States, 1939
India, c. 200 BCE
"The Dog and the Wolf" by Aesop
Greece, c. 600-500 BCE
"The Oak and the Reed" by Jean de la Fontaine
France, c. 1668-1678
"The Elephant Who Challenged the World" by James Thurber
United States, 1939