#119 - The First Ghosts with Dr. Irving Finkel

Summary

Explore the ancient concept of ghosts as Dr. Irving Finkel, a leading Assyriologist, delves into Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian necromancy. Learn how these ancient cultures believed they could communicate with the dead and the practices used to send spirits to the underworld or bring them back. Finkel shares insights from his book 'The First Ghosts' and addresses listener questions on this intriguing topic.

Key takeaways

• 1Dr. Irving Finkel: An internationally-acclaimed Assyriologist known for his work on ancient Mesopotamian texts.
• 2'The First Ghosts': Finkel's book that discusses the earliest written accounts of ghosts in Mesopotamia.
• 3Necromancy in ancient cultures: Practices for sending departed spirits to the underworld or reviving them.
• 4Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian beliefs: Concepts surrounding the afterlife and interactions with the dead.

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