Reading Qs 6

Christopher Hays, “Death and the dead in Mesopotamia during Iron Age II,” pages 34-56

From Death in the Iron Age II and in First Isaiah

This reading will orient you to some of what was going on Mesopotamia regarding death and burial. The author focuses on the Iron Age II (approximately 950-586 BC[E]) but also discusses some of the historical development of mortuary practices.

1. What is done when a person is dying and immediately after death? What does this suggest about Mesopotamian afterlife beliefs? (35-36)
2. What might be done with the body? What kinds of grave goods might they use?
3. What were people expected to do during a funeral and mourning for the deceased person? (40)
4. A kispu ritual could be used not only to feed dead family members but also to________.
5. What are Mesopotamian ghosts able to do?

Van der Toorn, “The Cult of the Ancestors: A Historical Focus of Identity”

1. What is “the cult of the ancestors”?
2. How did the interlunium (day of the dark moon) impact the cult of the ancestors?
3. In addition to offering food, what else must be done as part of the kispu ritual? (52-53)
4. Where did the dead sleep in some texts?
5. What could friendly family ghosts do for you? (62 and following)