Between the Rivers: History of Ancient Mesopotamia Part 2

The history of ancient Mesopotamia is really old. Thus, we don't have many contemporary records as we do for more modern history. This can make the study of the area more of an enumeration of facts than a pure narrative. However, there have been plenty of tablets found shedding some light on to the culture (including some poetry.)

Both the delivery and content of these lectures leave much to be desired. The delivery comes across as a recitation with very little emotion. The content focuses on presenting facts. There are sections on food, laws and science, as well as kings and empires. Even areas that lend themselves to narrative (such as the rise and fall of kings), end up as dry collection of facts. It is also easy to lose track of the timing of events (in spite of the vast time period covered.) And of that were not enough, the lecturer has an obsession with the role of women in the ancient society, and brings up every minute detail that she can find. (Even while admitting that it is likely not an accurate picture of the general role of women in society.)

Some interesting bits from the lectures were concerning medicine and lending. There was a fairly established "savings and lone" mechanism in ancient Babylon. The medical profession also appeared to be well established, though with fairly severe malpractice penalties.