HistoryExtra podcast cover image

Ghosts, necromancy & the underworld in ancient Mesopotamia

HistoryExtra podcast

00:00

The Earliest Reference to a Ghost Is in Cune Form

There are hundreds of signs you have to learn. And there's quite a complicated sign which means ghost. The oldest tablet that has this sign on is about two thousand, 800 b c. If you'd tap the sumerian on the shoulder and say, what does that mean, he will do, well, it's a ghost. There were also demons, which were slightly different to ghosts. You cannot kill a demon whatever you do. They are like superannuated versions of human beings. So they not only are the imortal, but they have this extra component which gives them a kind of energy. I don't think you'll find one who's just miserable by evil - i

Play episode from 29:03
Transcript

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app