We sit down with Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid, author of "Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and The Birth of History" an honorary fellow at Wolfson College, University of Oxford. She takes us on an incredible journey through ancient Mesopotamia, exploring the region's rich history, significant cultural innovations, and the development of the first writing system. We delve into the lives and contributions of notable Mesopotamians, including the first named author, princesses, and everyday people. We learn about ancient astronomy, the role of women in Mesopotamia, and the deep historical roots of many concepts we consider modern today. Tune in to understand why studying this ancient civilization remains crucial for our understanding of the present.
00:00 Introduction
00:31 Exploring Mesopotamia: Location and Significance
02:31 The Origins and Use of the Term "Mesopotamia"
03:15 Ancient Mesopotamia: Life in the Cradle of Civilization
05:52 The Birth and Impact of Writing Systems
09:11 Deciphering Cuneiform: The Rosetta Stone of Mesopotamia
12:51 The Importance of Studying Ancient History
15:16 Personal Stories and Objects from Mesopotamia
31:43 Understanding Heartbreak and Anxiety
32:45 The Evolution and Loss of Knowledge
35:45 Ancient Mesopotamian Medical Practices
37:20 Origins and Impact of Astrology
43:51 Women in Ancient Mesopotamia
51:53 Top Five Mesopotamians: Dead or Alive
57:09 Recommendations
Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid is an assyriologist and historian based at Wolfson College, University of Oxford, who specializes in cuneiform and the history of science in ancient Mesopotamia. Thousands of cuneiform tablets preserve breathtaking moments in early scientific endeavor, like a 4,000-year-old approximation of pi and ancient observations of Halley's Comet — moments she hopes to bring to a wider audience. She's written "Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and The Birth of History," and practices archaeology in her home country of Saudi Arabia to learn more about the its rich ancient history, from early writing to wild camels in rock art.
Connect with Dr Al-Rashid 👉 https://www.instagram.com/drmoudhy/
Get the book 👉 https://shorturl.at/TFyZl
Hosted by:
Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/?hl=en-gb
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