The Bible and its Ancient Context

This course will introduce students into the world of antiquity through the study of Biblical literature and culture. The collection of books called ‘the Bible’ is a special part of our ancient heritage. The Bible is not only the holy book of Western culture – of Christians and Jews alike – but it is also a unique transmitter of the great cultures of the Ancient Near East and Classical Antiquity. Due to the uninterrupted continuity of the various traditions it combines, the Bible has become an exceptional window to Antiquity. Through the analysis of the source texts, we will gain an insight into the minds of our ancient predecessors – not only Jews and Christians, but also Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans; and not only into their beliefs and cults, but also their other ideas and everyday life. The module is particularly suitable for students interested in history, religion, anthropology, politics and cultural heritage. Moreover, the critical analysis of the sources will develop skills that are useful in many other fields as well.