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Learn how the ancient Egyptians developed a visual language that was a precursor to modern branding.

Explore the fascinating world of the Egyptian Book of the Dead (EBD) and uncover common misconceptions about this ancient text.

Foundation figure of King Ur-Namma from the Third Dynasty of Ur (ca. 2112-2004 B.C.). Morgan Library and Museum, New York Book...

Joy Womack's autobiography, "Behind the Red Velvet Curtain: An American Ballerina in Russia," reveals the harsh realities of classical ballet. Womack's journey from the Kirov Academy in Washington DC to the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow is filled with physical and mental challenges, including self-harm and eating disorders. Her story highlights the toxic culture within ballet and the sacrifices made for the art form. Despite the struggles, Womack's determination and resilience shi

Elif Shafak's novel, "There Are Rivers in the Sky," is excellent. Shafak skillfully intertwines the stories of Arthur, Narin, and Zaleekah, connecting them to the Epic of Gilgamesh. Her extensive research ties together themes like female representation, cultural appropriation, ecological disaster, and genocide. Despite some forced plot elements, Shafak's characters and themes are fascinating, especially the portrayal of the goddess Nisaba and the character Nen.

Travelogue about a trip to the Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven, Connecticut to see the Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamia exhibit.

How the flood impacted Mesopotamian culture and influenced the Epic of Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh encounters Utnapishtim - the Mesopotamian Noah.

A theory that the jeweled garden in the Epic of Gilgamesh is the Sea House that arises from the Abyss of Enki.

The layered versions of Epic of Gilgamesh, discovered via archaeology, shows the evolution of kingship and humanity's quest for immortality.

The historical background of the Epic of Gilgamesh teaches us about society's priorities in the third millennium BCE.

Enkidu interprets Gilgamesh's dreams and connects him to his father and to himself.

Uncover the complex dynamics between Gilgamesh and the Sun God Shamash in ancient epic literature.

Gilgamesh rejects Ishtar who unleashes the Bull of Heaven on him. He and Enkidu go against the natural order and defeat the Bull.

Gilgamesh and Enkidu kill Huwawa - but at what cost?

Enkidu confronts Gilgamesh and the prepare for a foolish adventure to kill Humbaba in the Cedar Forest.

Enkidu is created as a foil to Gilgamesh but will a femme fatale stop him before he can even start his mission?

Mesopotamian life lessons that reappear in the Bible.

This blog series explores David Ferry's rendition of The Epic of Gilgamesh. The first episode introduces us to the semi-divine king.

Northrop Frye, a renowned literary critic, authored "Anatomy of Criticism" to outline the structural principles of Western literature.

Harold Bloom's "The Western Canon" defends the literary canon's evolving nature based on influence, not on modern diversity.