Selena Wisnom

Selena Wisnom, lecturer in Middle Eastern heritage, on Babylonian religion and ritual. Frances Reynolds, Assyriologist from Oxford, on the stele and legal phrasing. Martin Worthington, Middle Eastern studies professor, on Babylonian language and history. They trace the stele's imagery, the code's conditional style, social ranks and punishments, and how the law was displayed, read and reused across Mesopotamia.

Selena Wisnom, an expert in ancient Mesopotamia and author of The Library of Ancient Wisdom, guides listeners through the fascinating world of the Assyrian library created by King Ashurbanipal. She uncovers how this monumental collection reveals Assyrian beliefs about gods and the supernatural, along with the complexities of their religious practices. The discussion covers everything from divine communication, offerings, and demon beliefs, to the intriguing legacy of the lost library and the scientific insights of ancient civilizations.

Dr. Selena Wisnom, an Assyriologist from the University of Leicester and author focused on Ashurbanipal, reveals the fascinating duality of the last great king of Assyria. They discuss his military might and brutal civil conflicts, alongside his passion for scholarship, epitomized by the vast Library of Nineveh. The conversation dives into Ashurbanipal's intricate family dynamics, cultural exchanges with Babylonians, and how his contributions to intellectual pursuits shaped the ancient world, influencing future knowledge hubs like Alexandria.

Selena Wisnom, a scholar and playwright focused on Mesopotamian civilization, takes listeners on a captivating journey through history. She reveals the significance of the Royal Library of Nineveh, showcasing how it preserved vast knowledge. Wisnom dives into the complexities of cuneiform and the Epic of Gilgamesh, connecting ancient stories to modern literature. Additionally, she discusses the intriguing relationships between Mesopotamian gods and their influence on later cultures, illustrating how ancient beliefs resonate in today's world.

Selena Wisnom, lecturer in Middle Eastern heritage, outlines Mesopotamian religion and social context. Frances Reynolds, Assyriologist, discusses the stele, imagery and legal language. Martin Worthington, Babylonian language specialist, examines Hammurabi, judicial practice and tablets. They explore the stele’s appearance, divine legitimation, legal form, social strata, and how law circulated in ancient Mesopotamia.