Moudhy Al-Rashid

Moudhy Al-Rashid, author of "Between Two Rivers: Ancient Mesopotamia and the Birth of History," dives into the vibrant tapestry of ancient Mesopotamia. He unveils the impressive advancements in writing and mathematics while sharing fascinating insights about the Sumerians and Babylonians. Al-Rashid examines the intriguing origins of kingship and the famous flood myth, drawing parallels with biblical stories. Listeners also learn about the cultural significance of daily life, their pantheon of gods, and the enduring impact of this cradle of civilization.

Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid, an expert in Mesopotamian history and cuneiform, joins comedian Phil Wang for a humorous and enlightening discussion about the world's oldest writing system. They dive into how cuneiform emerged around 3000 BCE, revealing daily life, epic tales like The Epic of Gilgamesh, and even ancient divination practices. The conversation spans the unique challenges of deciphering these clay tablets and highlights the remarkable evolution of communication, blending history with laughter throughout.

Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid, an Assyriologist at Oxford, reveals the groundbreaking contributions of ancient Mesopotamians to astronomy. They meticulously tracked celestial movements, predicting eclipses and interpreting them as omens. Al-Rashid discusses the significance of omen handbooks, like the Enuma Anu Enlil, in integrating astronomy with medicine and culture. Discover how these early scholars established the foundations of scientific inquiry while intertwining myth with observation, ultimately shaping our understanding of the cosmos.

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!

In this engaging discussion, Moudhy Al-Rashid, an author and expert on ancient Mesopotamia, delves into the origins of writing and the captivating tales preserved on cuneiform tablets. Historian Tom Holland shares insights from his new translation of Suetonius's vibrant biographies of Roman emperors, highlighting their impact on our understanding of power. Gus Casely-Hayford, director of V&A East, discusses innovative ways museums can engage the public, underscoring the timeless human desire to curate and connect with history.