Ugarit Lost City Of The Bronze Age

Ancient Egyptian records mention a place called Ugarit on the Syrian coast. It was a strategic city that flourished during the period of prosperous trade in the Late Bronze Age 1400-1200BCE before falling victim to the incursions of the Sea Peoples after 1200BCE. In 1928 a peasant farmer found the remains of this city and archaeologists have uncovered the lost temple, palaces and houses. in addition a fantastic archive of cuneiform documents was unearthed which bring the religion and trade and politics of the city to life. This 6 week course will examine the light that this culture throws on the beliefs and practices of the late Bronze Age, including some surprising contacts with the thought world of the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament