Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean

4 Credits

This course surveys the major religions of the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern populations, geographically and chronologically until the Roman Empire. We will discuss mythologies, civic vs. individual practices, and adaptations or conflicts caused by contact through trade and warfare. The focus will be on ancient polytheistic religions, but we will also discuss Judaism and early Christianity in terms of interactions with other belief systems and changing governments. Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU