HIST 367 - The Ancient Near East

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The inhabitants of the Near East developed the earliest known cities, monumental architecture, metalworking, writing systems, wheeled vehicles, kingdoms and empires. Civilization arose almost simultaneously in Mesopotamia and Egypt, with important later achievements taking place in Anatolia, Palestine and Persia. The peoples of the Near East produced literature and ideas now embedded in great religions, thus contributing to contemporary beliefs. Primary documents and an assessment of surviving evidence are used to understand these fascinating peoples. Provides an Old Testament background for biblical studies majors and other interested students.
Prerequisites: HIST 120 or HIST 120H