In today’s episode of the podcast, we speak with Professor Nicholas Reid, author of, Prisons in Ancient Mesopotamia. After introducing us to how Mesopotamians viewed and treated mental health, Reid talks to us about the earliest historical records on imprisonment in the history of the world. 

In his book, Reid discusses the evolution of the modern prison system as it relates to ancient Mesopotamia. Together we discuss the commonalities that can be seen between the ancient and modern systems and the benefits that come from learning about past cultures’ successes and weaknesses.

It may seem safely assumable to believe that because we are thousands of years removed from some ancient societies and their often barbaric methods of treating humanity, that we have automatically advanced into a superior, more humane society.  

But with our reliance on solitary confinement and a loss of meaning, our system is missing what could be a more healing and transformative journey.