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The Origin of Satan
Satan, or the Devil, is one of the best-known characters in the Western traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Surprisingly, this entity was a late-comer in the ancient world. Satan, as a totally evil being, is nowhere to be found...
Article
The Origin & History of the BCE/CE Dating System
The BCE/CE dating system was first used in the 17th century and has been used since in scholarly publications read by people of all faiths and cultures in an effort to be inclusive. This system is also more accurate in that it makes no claim...
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The Origin and History of the B.C.E / C.E Dating System (As well as B.C/A.D)
In recent years, a persistent criticism has been leveled against the use of the BCE/CE system (Before the Common or Current Era/Common or Current Era) , rather than BC/AD (Before Christ/Anno Domini or 'Year of Our Lord'), in dating historical...
Article
The Mesopotamian Pantheon
The gods of the Mesopotamian region were not uniform in name, power, provenance or status in the hierarchy. Mesopotamian culture varied from region to region and, because of this, Marduk should not be regarded as King of the Gods in the same...
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Ishtar's Descent into the Underworld Inscription
This large and partially broken clay tablet tells us how Ishtar, goddess of love and war, decided to descend and enter the underworld. During her long journey, she was gradually stripped of her attributes, therefore, she lost all of her...
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The Passages to the Underworld at Tonina
This building at the Mayan site of Tonina is known as the Passage to the Underworld or the Temple of the Underworld. The archways in this picture lead to an extensive network of hallways which define the word `labyrinth'. As with many structures...
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Ra Travelling Through the Underworld
Ra travelling through the underworld in his barque, from the copy of the Book of Gates in the tomb of Ramses I, Egypt, c. 1290 BCE.
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Twelve Gods of the Underworld, Yazilikaya Hittite Sanctuary
West wall of Chamber B of the Yazilikaya Hittite Sanctuary near Hattusa (13th century BCE) depicting the Twelve Gods of the Underworld. They wear short shirts, belts and shoes curling up at the toe. They each carry a crescent-shaped sword...
Definition
Ereshkigal
Ereshkigal (also known as Irkalla and Allatu) is the Mesopotamian Queen of the Dead who rules the underworld. Her name translates as 'Queen of the Great Below' or 'Lady of the Great Place.' She was responsible for both keeping the dead within...
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Factory near Pontoise by Pissarro
An 1873 oil on canvas, Factory near Pontoise, by Camille Pissarro (1830-1903), the Danish-French impressionist painter. The artist, unlike most other impressionists, was very interested in capturing industrial architecture like this sugar-beet...