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Overview
Literature of the ancient world
Protip: start with the civilization that interests you
(Adapted list from /lit/)
Protip: start with the civilization that interests you
(Adapted list from /lit/)
Begin With The Bronze Age
1 participant (23 books)
Overview
Literature of the ancient world
Protip: start with the civilization that interests you
(Adapted list from /lit/)
Protip: start with the civilization that interests you
(Adapted list from /lit/)
Challenge Books
Ancient Near East, Volume 1: An Anthology of Texts and Pictures
James B. Pritchard
Overview
An abridged but broad-ranging selection of ANE texts, including myths, hymns, and histories, from many civilizations
Ancient Near East, Volume 2: A New Anthology of Texts and Pictures
James B. Pritchard
Overview
An abridged but broad-ranging selection of ANE texts, including myths, hymns, and histories, from many civilizations
A History of the Ancient Near East: CA. 3000-323 BC
Marc Van De Mieroop
Overview - Background
A popular textbook, offering a broad introduction to the latest academic understanding of ANE history.
(bonus)
The Ancient Near East: C.3000-330 BC (2 Volumes)
Amélie Kuhrt
Overview - Background
If you have the funds, Amelie Kuhrt's 2-volume Ancient Near East is a more detailed alternative.
Sumerian Mythology
Samuel Noah Kramer
Sumerian
Translations and explanations of Sumerian mythological texts. Outdated, but the most affordable intro (can be read for free online).
The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character
Samuel Noah Kramer
Sumerian - Background
An introduction to the earliest near eastern civilization, Sumer, with a focus on their writings.
Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others
Anonymous
Mesopotamian
Notably includes multiple versions of well-known myths such as the story of Anzu and the Epic of Gilgamesh.
The Epic of Gilgamesh
Unknown
Mesopotamian
A comprehensive collection of Gilgamesh inscripyions, includes every version and fragment, as well as early Sumerian Bilgames poems
Poems of Heaven and Hell from Ancient Mesopotamia
Anonymous
Mesopotamian
A selection of religious poems, some included in the above collections
Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature
Benjamin R. Foster
Mesopotamian
Get this if you're really serious. The most complete set of post-Sumerian Mesopotamian inscriptions in translation. Includes almost everything in the above collections.
Early Mesopotamia: Society and Economy at the Dawn of History
Nicholas Postgate
Mesopotamian - Background
Textbook exploring daily life, societal makeup, and religion in ancient Mesopotamian cities.
Ancient Iraq
Georges Roux
Mesopotamian - Background
Slightly outdated, but one of the most accessible yet comprehensive introductions to the political and military history of ancient Mesopotamia.