This illustrated lecture will look at the very practical attitude evidenced by ancient Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians towards their dead.
This is noticeable with regard to what they thought happened to people when they did die, and the cosmic system understood to operate in the background, as well as how professional exorcists dealt with ghosts of individuals who were unsettled and who, for one reason or another, came back.
The evidence from cuneiform documents as a whole suggests that there was no debate in the Mesopotamian mind as to whether ghosts really existed; their existence was taken for granted and ghosts were regarded with sympathy.
Consideration of these points within the wider range of ancient studies raises interesting reflections on deep human beliefs and the way in which they are surely unchanging.
This talk is taking place in-person at our college in London
You can find the address and travel directions on our contact page - we'll also include all the information in your enrolment email.
About Dr Irving Finkel
The British Museum's Dr Irving Finkel specialises in ancient Mesopotamian medicine and magic and is also interested in literature, religion and the history of ideas in this part of the world. Read more about Irving
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