Intelligence Squared
Ancient Mesopotamia and the Birth of History, with Moudhy Al-Rashid
Apr 10, 2025
Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid, an Honorary Fellow at Oxford specializing in ancient Mesopotamia, explores the thrilling legacy of this civilization. She discusses the inception of writing and how it transformed society, along with captivating stories of everyday people—like Latubashini, an enslaved mother fighting for freedom. Al-Rashid highlights the often-overlooked humanity in Mesopotamian texts and shares insights on how their personal struggles with love and ambition resonate even today. Dive into this fascinating blend of history and human experience!
42:44
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Quick takeaways
- Ancient Mesopotamia, often overshadowed by Egypt and Greece, was foundational in developing writing, literature, and societal structures that resonate today.
- Dr. Al-Rashid highlights the significant yet overlooked contributions of ordinary individuals, especially women, to the rich cultural tapestry of ancient Mesopotamian society.
Deep dives
Mesopotamia: The Cradle of Civilization
The discussion highlights the significance of ancient Mesopotamia, situated between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, as a cradle for numerous innovations including writing, literature, and astronomy. This region's fertile soil enabled successful agriculture around 3000 BCE, leading to societal advancements and the development of various civilizations. The podcast emphasizes how Mesopotamia is often overshadowed by other ancient powers like Egypt and Greece, despite its critical contributions to human history. Insights from Dr. Muni al-Rashid’s work illustrate how ordinary individuals led rich lives that contributed to the larger narrative of this influential society.
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