The Digital Hammurabi Podcast

The Ten Commandments with Dr. Joel Baden

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:05:22 GMT

Dr. Joel Baden joins me to talk about the Ten Commandments! Find out why there are two versions, whether they were intended to be followed as laws, and what he thinks about the differences between the two.

For more information about his ten-lecture course on the Ten Commandments, use this link: https://digitalhammurabi--ehrman.thrivecart.com/10-commandments/

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Vanishing Goddesses and the Garden of Eden

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 01:28:40 GMT

Megan is joined by Dr. Shawna Dolansky to talk about her research into how Mesopotamian goddesses may have impacted the Biblical figure of Eve, why YHWH is so involved in human fertility, and her incredible new project, Women of the Ancient World.

More info on the New Insights into the Hebrew Bible conference: https://digitalhammurabi--ehrman.thrivecart.com/nihb-2026-standard/

Women of the Ancient World: https://woawhistory.com/

Dr. Dolansky's website: https://shawnadolansky.com/

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What does the Economy have to do with Mythology?

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:40:56 GMT

Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Eric Harvey to talk about his latest book, Reading Creation Myths Economically in Ancient Mesopotamia and Israel. You can find more about Dr. Harvey and his work on his website: https://www.blindscholar.com

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The Lost Mary - Interview with Dr. James Tabo

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:07:40 GMT

Mary, mother of Jesus, is probably one of the most famous women from the ancient world. She remains incredibly important today in several faith traditions, but what do we know about the woman behind the story? Today I'm joined by Dr. James Tabor to talk about how we can reconstruct the life of someone who left virtually no historical record, how Mary is similar to Mesopotamian princess and priestess Enheduanna, and why he thinks Jesus' birth family was written out of the New Testament.

Amazon affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4ojZRq4

Dr. Tabor's website: https://jamestabor.com/

Dr. Tabor's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/jamestaborvideos

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Why be Part of an Empire?

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:53:58 GMT

Today on Digital Hammurabi, I’m joined by Dr. Jessie DeGrado, assistant professor of ancient Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Michigan. Dr. DeGrado studies the history and religions of Mesopotamia, and is particularly interested in how modern history and politics affect our reconstruction of the past. He’s here today to talk to me about the Neo-Assyrian empire, the role of ancient Judah as a client-state of the empire, and how modern understandings of the Middle East colour our views of the region’s ancient past.

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The Hidden Voices of History: Dr. Amanda Podany on Non-Elite Experiences in the Ancient World

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 20:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Digital Hammurabi, host Megan Lewis welcomes Dr. Amanda Podany, a renowned expert in ancient history, particularly focusing on Assyria and Mesopotamia during the Middle and Late Bronze Age. Together, they delve into the challenges of uncovering the lives of non-elite individuals in the ancient past, a topic Dr. Podany explores in her acclaimed book, "Weavers, Scribes and Kings: A New History of the Ancient Near East." Dr. Podany discusses how many historical sources have been predominantly created by or for the wealthy ruling classes, yet emphasizes that it is indeed possible to gain insights into the experiences of everyday people. Tune in for an engaging conversation that bridges scholarly insights with accessible discussions on ancient history.

Timestamps:

[00:02:28] Interest in ancient Near East.

[00:09:46] Ancient letters and personal lives.

[00:11:21] Scribes and the non-elite lives.

[00:15:51] Evidence of daily life.

[00:22:18] Average life trajectories in history.

[00:23:00] Family dynamics in Mesopotamian life.

[00:27:58] Careers beyond agriculture.

[00:30:51] Professions in ancient societies.

[00:35:13] Favorite character in research.

[00:38:20] Audience questions

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The Art of Weaving Myths: Emily Wilson on Writing Historical Fantasy

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Digital Hammurabi, host Megan Lewis welcomes back writer and journalist Emily Wilson to discuss her latest book, "Gilgamesh," the second installment in her epic trilogy about the Sumerians. Emily shares insights into the continuation of the story, which follows the goddess Inanna, her attendant Ninshubur, and the hero Gilgamesh, while introducing new characters and voices. Megan and Emily also touch on the thematic elements of the series, including a brief discussion of the myth of Enlil and Ninlil, with a trigger warning regarding sensitive content. This episode provides fascinating insights into how Wilson approaches Mesopotamian mythology, particularly the complexities of weaving various myths into a cohesive narrative. Listeners are encouraged to catch up on the first book in the trilogy before the third installment is released in August 2025. Tune in for an engaging conversation about ancient history and storytelling!

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Understanding Matthew, Mark, and Luke: A Journey into the Synoptic Gospels

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 16:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Digital Hammurabi, host Megan Lewis welcomes Dr. Mark Goodacre, a Professor of Religious Studies at Duke University, to discuss the Synoptic Gospels. Dr. Goodacre, who has an extensive academic background including degrees from the University of Oxford and several published works, shares insights into his upcoming university-level course on the Synoptic Gospels through Bart Ehrman's Biblical Studies Academy. Designed for non-academics, the course reflects Dr. Goodacre's teaching approach, which does not require prior knowledge in biblical studies. The conversation explores the significance of the Gospels, the historical Jesus, and the resources available for understanding Christian origins. Tune in to learn more about this fascinating topic and Dr. Goodacre's contributions to the field.

Affiliate link for The Mysteries of the Synoptics course: https://digitalhammurabi--ehrman.thrivecart.com/synoptic-gospels-course/
Affiliate link for the Biblical Studies Academy: https://digitalhammurabi--ehrman.thrivecart.com/biblical-studies-academy/
Dr. Goodacre's homepage: https://markgoodacre.org/

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Brewing History: The Role of Beer in Ancient Mesopotamia

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 17:00:00 GMT

Join us in this exciting episode of Digital Hammurabi as host Megan Lewis sits down with Dr. Tate Paulette, an Associate Professor at North Carolina State University and an expert in Near Eastern Archaeology. Dr. Paulette shares insights from his upcoming book, In the Land of Ninkasi: A History of Beer in Ancient Mesopotamia, set to be released on August 28th in the US and November 24th elsewhere.

In this episode, we explore Dr. Paulette's journey into the world of ancient food and drink, the fascinating process of experimental brewing and its connection to ancient Mesopotamian practices, and the role of beer in social and political contexts in ancient societies.

Whether you're a history buff, an archaeology enthusiast, or just curious about ancient food systems, this episode is packed with engaging discussions and intriguing insights. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the history of beer in one of the world's earliest civilizations!

Book Release Date: August 28th (US) / November 24th (Elsewhere)

Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy the episode!

Disclaimer: We were provided with a free copy of the book for review purposes, however, all opinions shared are honestly held.

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The Survival of Civilization: Insights from the Late Bronze Age

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Dr. Eric Cline, Professor of Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, discusses his new book "After 1177 BCE: The Survival of Civilization" and the graphic novel adaptation with host, Megan Lewis. They delve into the collapse of major civilizations in the late Bronze Age and the intriguing sequel to his award-winning work. Dr. Cline shares insights on biblical archaeology and international connections during this pivotal historical period.

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Unpacking the Lives of Ancient Immigrants with Dr. Teodoro Alstola

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Dr. Tero Alstola, a researcher at the University of Helsinki, discusses his work on ancient Near Eastern cultures and the social history of Babylonia in the first millennium BCE. He talks about his research on ancient immigrants, network approaches to historical data sets, and the use of computer-aided study of the Akkadian language. The conversation delves into his involvement in the 69th Rencontre Assyriologique Internationale and his interest in the ancient world, starting with ancient Egypt.

Dr. Alstola's research: https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/persons/tero-alstola Information on RAI: http://helsinki.fi/rencontre More information on migration and immigrants: The Ancient Near East Today has blog posts on migration: https://www.asor.org/anetoday How Bad Was the Babylonian Exile? https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-near-eastern-world/how-bad-was-the-babylonian-exile/

00:00:30 - Introduction to Dr. Teodoro Alstola
00:01:43 - Dr. Alstola's Background and Interest in Ancient Studies
00:03:22 - Dr. Alstola's Specialization and Research Focus
00:04:01 - Origins of Dr. Alstola's Interest in Migration
00:05:34 - Sources for Studying Ancient Migration
00:06:56 - Comparing Ancient and Modern Migration
00:09:19 - Legal Aspects of Ancient Migration
00:10:54 - Perceptions of Immigrants in the Ancient Near East
00:14:26 - Digital Humanities and Computer-Aided Research
00:22:19 - AI in Academic Research
00:24:31 - The 69th Rencontre Assyriologique Internationale
00:30:47 - Assyrian Deportation Policy
00:33:28 - Artifacts Documenting Ancient Migration
00:35:04 - Cultural Assimilation of Migrants

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Uncovering a Tablet in a Previously Unknown Language: Excavation Results Revealed

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 19:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Digital Hammurabi, Dr. Daniel Schwemer, an expert in magic and witchcraft in the Ancient Near East, joins the host to discuss the recent excavation at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Boğazköy-Hattuša. The focus of the conversation is on a tablet written in a previously unknown language that was discovered during the excavation. Dr. Schwemer shares his journey into the study of the Ancient Near East and how he became involved in the excavations at Boğazköy-Hattuša. Tune in to learn more about this fascinating discovery and its implications for our understanding of the ancient world.

Timestamps:
[00:00:46] Previously unknown language
[00:07:01] Hittite Old Kingdom and Empire
[00:09:38] Ancient East and excavation process
[00:17:12] Identifying and reuniting fragments
[00:22:18] Administrative texts and society
[00:26:18] Political history and religious practice
[00:29:33] Understanding ancient tablet inscriptions
[00:34:05] Hittite adoption of foreign traditions
[00:39:01] Syncretization and types of deities
[00:44:48] Location of Kalashma

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Faking It - Provenance, Antiquities, and eBay Interview with Dr. Erin Thompson

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Many people want to own a piece of the past, but eBay really the answer? Definitely not, and Dr. Erin Thompson, the nation's only full-time professor of art-crime, tells us why!

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No, You Shouldn't Buy Stolen Objects! With Dr. Patty Gerstenblith

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 12:00:00 GMT

With the Museum of the Bible rarely out of the news due to their stolen, smuggled, or faked artifacts, the antiquities market is getting more attention than ever. Dr. Patty Gerstenblith, research professor of law at DePaul University, founding president of the Lawyers Committee for Cultural Heritage Preservation, and former chair of the President's Cultural Property Advisory Committee in the U.S. Department of State is not only an expert in this area of law, but consulted with the founders of the Museum of the Bible at the beginning of their venture. She very kindly agreed to join us to talk about the legalities of buying antiquities, and why the Museum of the Bible just keeps getting it wrong.

Dr Gerstenblith on Twitter: @PGerstenblith
Further reading: https://displayatyourownrisk.org/gerstenblith/

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Fakes, Felonies, and the Museum of the Bible: Interview with Dr. Joel Baden

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 19:00:00 GMT

The Museum of the Bible has a reputation for housing fakes and looted objects; most recently, the institution was in the news for their forged Dead Sea Scrolls, the arrest of their consultant, Dr. Dirk Obbink, and the revelation that the famous "Gilgamesh Dream Tablet" housed in the museum was removed from Iraq illegally.

Dr. Joel Baden, Professor of Hebrew Bible at Yale Divinity School, joins Megan to talk about these many and varied events.

Recorded May 28th 2020

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The REAL Israelite Religion: Interview with Dr. Francesca Stavrakopoulou

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 13:00:00 GMT

Dr. Stavrakopoulou is professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Religion at Exeter University, and star of the BBC's "Bible's Buried Secrets". Hear about her research into what ancient Israelite religion was actually like, and how it's (mis)represented in the Bible!

Dr. Stavrakopoulou on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ProfFrancesca

Originally recorded May 23 2020.

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We Need Racial Diversity in Ancient Studies!

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Bethany Hucks is a Ph.D. student at the University of Heidelberg, studying the Roman reuse of Egyptian motifs in material culture. Listen in to hear about her Ph.D. research, and about why diversity is so important for the study of the ancient world.

Originally recorded June 7th 2020.

Bethany on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RomanAegyptiaca

White Homework: https://www.toriglass.com/white-homework
https://twitter.com/toriglass
https://www.patreon.com/toriglass

Sportula: https://www.patreon.com/Libertinopatrenatus/posts https://thesportula.wordpress.com/
https://twitter.com/Libertinopatren

Data and resources on police violence:
https://www.pnas.org/content/116/34/16793
https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/national/police-shootings-2019/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/585152/people-shot-to-death-by-us-police-by-race/
https://www.citylab.com/equity/2019/08/police-officer-shootings-gun-violence-racial-bias-crime-data/595528/

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COVID-19, the Bible, and the End of the World.

Sat, 09 May 2020 23:00:00 GMT

Apocalypticism is a poorly-understood genre of literature that is found in the Hebrew Bible, and has given rise to countless predictions of the end of the world. Join Megan and Dr. Josh as they talk to Dr. Stephen Cook, professor of Old Testament Language and Literature at Virginia Theological Seminary, to talk about this fascinating genre of text.

Recorded March 21st 2020.

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Everybody Dies! Death and Burial Practices in the Ancient Near East with Dr. Pinar Durgun

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Death is the one common thread binding humanity together, but how we treat the dead and think about the afterlife varies by culture. Dr. Pinar Durgun is an archaeologist and art historian primarily interested in Anatolian burial practices, and in this episode of the Digital Hammurabi Podcast, she talks to us about jar burials, the afterlife, and ghosts in the ancient world.
Originally recorded October 12th 2019.

Episode links:
The Order of the Good Death: http://www.orderofthegooddeath.com/
Project Visiting Scholar: https://pinardurgunpd.wixsite.com/visitingscholar
Ask a Mortician: https://www.youtube.com/user/OrderoftheGoodDeath

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Ancient Egypt, Modern Egyptians

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 18:00:00 GMT

What importance does ancient Egypt hold for modern Egyptians, and what can museums do to recognize and honor this relationship? In this episode, Megan talks to Heba Abd el Gawad, Egyptian Egyptologist, Ph.D. student at Durham University, and postdoctoral researcher on the "Egypt’s dispersed heritage: views from Egypt" project at the University College of London.

Relevant links:
Scattered Finds: http://www.oapen.org/search?identifier=1004171
Artefacts of Excavation: http://egyptartefacts.griffith.ox.ac.uk/
Excavated Egypt on Twitter: @excavatedegypt
Listen to Her!: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2018/sep/listen-her-egypts-women-fight-their-rights
Heba on Twitter: @GawadHeba

Find Digital Hammurabi:
YouTube: www.youtube.com/digitalhammurabi
Twitter: @digi_hammurabi and @DJHammurabi1
Patreon: www.patreon.com/digitalhammurabi
Website: www.digialhammurabi.com

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Cuneiform and the Invention of Writing

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 17:00:00 GMT

For our inaugural podcast episode, we chose to focus on one of the most important technological innovations of the ancient world - the invention of writing! This episode introduces you to cuneiform, the writing system developed during the late 4th millennium BCE, with an interview with Dr. Jennifer Ross of Hood College, and a narration of Enmerkar and the Lord of Aratta, the Sumerian literary composition that explains how and why writing was invented.
Interview conducted on 2/23/2019.

Please let us know what you think! Is there something you want more, or less, of?

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