Web-based Readings for European Studies 101

Creations and Origins of Community Life

The Legend of Sargon of Akkad

Sargon ruled Akkad around 2300 B.C. Compare to the story of Moses's infancy in Exodus 2

The Code of Hammurabi

Hammurabi ruled Babylon around 1800 B.C. The link takes you to the full text; you can scroll for commentaries. Pay special attention to the introduction (which is dropped out of many printed versions of the Code) -- where does authority come from? What does Hamurabi emphasize about the goal of his law code? What are some characteristics of relations between free and unfree people? Between men and women? Between parents and children? What is the position of the king in relation to others? What other social ranks are identified?

Images of Clay Tablets with Cuneiform writing

Go here to see some examples of the physical form in which most ancient Mesopotamian material is preserved.

Psalms

Psalm 1

This psalmist (King David) contrasts the righteous and the wicked. What is the agricultural metaphor for the righteous? For the wicked?

Psalm 100

A song of rejoicing - what does the Psalm suggest about proper worship? What metaphor is used for God's people and the world they live in?

Psalm 2

Remember that the Psalmist is traditionally identified as King David. How does it change the meaning of the Psalm to assume that it is both a statement about David and a prediction about the Messiagh?