Religion in the Ancient Mediterranean World

Take a deep dive into the ancient roots of our culture as you explore the religious history of the ancient Mediterranean world.

Overview

Course No. 6340

This 48-lecture journey examines:

• Sacred texts including Gilgamesh, Hebrew Bible, Homeric epics, and New Testament
• Major civilizations from Egypt and Mesopotamia to Greece and Rome
• Evolution of beliefs from prehistoric times to Christianity’s rise
• Cultural treasures through temples, rituals, and artifacts

What You’ll Discover:

✓ Creation myths and concepts of the divine
✓ How ancient peoples explained life’s mysteries
✓ The development of monotheism from polytheism
✓ Philosophical challenges to traditional religion
✓ Enduring influences on Western thought

Video Lectures

Section 1: Foundations

01-04: Prehistoric to Neolithic (30-33 min)
Earliest religious expressions and cultural revolutions

05-12: Egyptian Religion (30-31 min)
Pharaohs, pyramids, and the Book of the Dead

13-19: Mesopotamian World (30-32 min)
Gilgamesh, flood myths, and divine hierarchies

Section 2: Biblical Traditions

20-27: Syria-Palestine & Israel (29-32 min)
From Canaanite gods to Hebrew monotheism

28-34: Greek World (30-32 min)
Homeric epics, mystery cults, and philosophical religion

Section 3: Roman Era

35-41: Roman Religion (30-33 min)
State cults, emperor worship, and Eastern influences

42-47: Rise of Christianity (30-33 min)
Jesus movement to imperial conversion

Conclusion

48: Enduring Legacy (31 min)
Ancient beliefs that still shape modern thought