This course provides a survey of the major Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern mythological traditions in their cultural and historical context. The course also addresses the theoretical issues involved in the study of myth, and the relation between myth and religion. Special attention will be paid to the connections between the Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern mythological traditions and those of Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the tapestry of cultic traditions reflected in the Hebrew Bible. In addition, this course will delve into the enduring legacies of these myths in contemporary realms: from their imprint on modern art, architecture, and literature, to their resonance in popular culture.
