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!

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/

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.