Abstract
This paper begins by providing a history of the evolution of zero and discusses the origin of the symbol. It then discusses the origins of the concept of "zero" and how this was perceived differently by various ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, the Mayans and the Babylonians. It then focuses specifically on the "Babylonian zero" and how this differed in concept from other figures at the time. The paper includes several diagrams and pictures.

From the Paper
"The symbol zero evolved into its present form after quite a number of transformations. The idea of how the symbol was devised also harbors a few contradictory ideas. Opinions range from it being a dot originally, replaced by a circle with a dot in the center and then maturing to the current form, an oval shape that we all are familiar with. (Pearce, I., 2002). The Egyptian zero that evolved has also been equated with the hieroglyph for beauty, and that of the human windpipe, heart and lungs. (Williams, S. W., 2002)"

Tags:astronomers, cuneiform, egyptians, hindus, mayans, mesopotamia, egytian, sexagesimal, system, tablets, value

Abstract
This paper discusses how there have been thousands of excellent book, journal and article sources that have examined and analyzed the fall of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, for this was a profoundly important period in human history and has been the subject of extended study by scholars and historians for more than two-thousand years. This paper researches three especially impressive sources because they are considered by most historians and biblical scholars to be among the most definitive, illuminating, and comprehensive accounts of Jerusalem's fall and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people to Babylon.

Tags:fall, of, jerusalem

Abstract
This paper deals primarily with the creation myth as found in the Bible and how the story itself is a hybrid of Babylonian writings that existed hundreds of years before the writing of the "Old Testament". It attempts to show how the two myths of creation, "Enuma Elish" and "Genesis," have parallels and differences that ultimately were shaped by the cultures that recorded them.

From the Paper
"Enuma Elish, the Mesopotamian story of creation, is the perfect embodiment of humanity's reliance on the gods, and also the prevailing theme of polytheism, the jealousy and greed of the gods. The kind of humanistic qualities that are given to the gods Tiamat, Marduk and Anshar will later be echoed in the quarreling of the Greek gods of Mount Olympus. The need to personify the gods and make them seem simply as more powerful humans, with all the emotions and drives that come with the human condition, is a method of further understanding a world that presented so many unknown to the unsophisticated and mystical thinking Babylonians."

Tags:enuma, elish, genesis

Abstract
This research will compare and contrast the creation myths of Babylonia (En?ma Elish) and the Judeo-Christian tradition (Genesis) through a discussion of the pattern of ideas in each creation myth and how they relate historically to each religion.

From the Paper
"This research will compare and contrast the creation myths of Babylonia (Enuma Elish) and the Judeo-Christian tradition (Genesis) through a discussion of the pattern of ideas in each creation myth and how they relate historically to each religion.


The creation story of Enuma Elish--named for the first words of the story, "When above" or "When on high"-- predates the Genesis version of creation by an estimated 500 years, having been dated at 1950 BC. The earliest written Semitic sources, which survive as fragments of various Old Testament books, have been dated at the fourteenth century BC (Babylonia). According to Senior (RG2-3), Genesis was composed around 1000 BC and gives an account of events and personalities flourishing from a period roughly equivalent to the time of the Enuma Elish, 1850 to 1250 BC, the estimated period of the narrative events. However, the..."

From the Paper
"This report will examine ancient Babylonian medicine. Under the Amorites, the "Golden Age of Babylonia" began roughly around two millennia B.C. Although this era was short-lived, the foundations of medical practice were developed. This discussion will include the geographical setting and culture, as these factors were central to the practice of medicine in ancient Babylonia--a practice which included elements of religion and magic.


The term, "Mesopotamia," is Greek for "the land between the rivers (Sigerist, 1955, p. 378)." This region comprises the geographic area between the Euphrates to the west and the Tigris in the east. Both rivers originate in the mountains of Turkey and flow southeast to the Persian Gulf. The course of the Tigris is shorter; whereas the Euphrates..which carries more..."

From the Paper
"According to the various accounts of the invasion of Judah and the exiling of Jews, especially their leaders, to Babylon was seen in the Bible as God's punishment. Even those who wrote years after the actual event, still pass judgment on the reasons for the exile to Babylon. One ?writer justified God's judgment by pointing to what he understood as a history of sin. He measured Israel's behavior- and in particular that of the kings of Israel and Judah- by the understanding of the law presented in the book of Deuteronomy, and found it wanting.? (Miller 15)

There are a number of books of the Old Testament, including Daniel and Jeremiah, which relate the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar or Nebuchadrezzar) in 597 BC. The Babylonian army, on its way to do battle with Egypt, captured a portion of Judah. On the army's return from Egypt..."

From the Paper
"The purpose of this research is to examine the Babylonian theory of polynomials. The plan of the research will be to set forth the historical and cultural context in which the Babylonian approach to developing equation theory emerged, and then to discuss the ways in which the theory could have evolved across ancient cultures toward modern interpretations of the authentic character and importance of equations. As appropriate, reference will be made to the assessments of the Babylonian contribution to the body of mathematical thought as it may have impacted upon subsequent mathematical theory.


One may begin a discussion of the authentic nature of Babylonian theory of polynomials--not by saying what it is but by suggesting what it is not, which is an equivalent of purely theoretical explorations of the mathematical universe that were..."

Abstract
This paper examines the stele of Hammurabi and discusses the information that surrounds it and how it correlates with today's western society. The paper recounts the general history of the ancient Babylonian king, Hammurabi, paying particular attention to his codes protecting all classes of the Babylonian society, including women and slaves. The paper also addresses the social and judicial structures, many of which are outlined on the stele. The paper concludes that Hammurabi gave to the world not only a set of laws that ruled society and business, but also a tradition of the importance of justice under those laws. The paper includes an appendix, which provides a translation of the enscription on the stele of Hammurabi.

From the Paper
"Hammurabi's Code consists of 44 columns of text, 28 paragraphs, of which contain the actual code. There are 282 laws, possibly more have been rubbed off, that probably amended common Babylonian law rather than define it. The code describes regulations for legal procedure, fixed rates on services performed in most branches of commerce and describes property rights, personal injury, and penalties for false testimony and accusations. The code has no laws regarding religion."

Tags:babylon, ancient, art, deity, sun, god, stone, Moses, laws, justice

Abstract
This paper compares the Sumerian, Babylonian and Egyptian myths regarding the creation of the world. It analyzes each creation myth individually and then compares the central elements and cardinal features found in them. The paper emphasizes the main themes of each myth and discusses the history and background of each of the myths.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Sumerian Creation Myths
Babylonian Creation Myths
The Egyptian Myths
Comparison And Conclusion

From the Paper
"Another theme is the conflict between the gods which accompanies this division and disruption. Lastly we have the creation of the various parts of the universe, the earth and humanity; usually aligned with the qualities or powers of the different gods. This is followed by the creation and the maintenance of order. While this is a rather simplistic overview of these complex myths it does serve to show that these important mythological structures have central and cardinal points of similarity and this in turn suggests that the view of creation has some common origins and views in different cultures."

Tags:humanity, gods, primordial, origin

Abstract
This paper discusses how "The Epic of Gilgamesh" has all the qualities of a classic epic, gods, heroes and huge battle scenes. It examines how the ancient Babylonian text, preserved on stone tablets, is representative of poetry in a number of ways and how some key elements stand out. It looks at how the friendship that develops between Gilgamesh and Enkidu is remarkable and evaluates how the role of women in the epic is also characteristic of epic poetry in general. They are strong figures, despite having supporting roles in the narrative. It looks at how Gilgamesh, through all his struggles and quests, emerges as a legendary hero. Of noble, semi-divine birth, Gilgamesh's status remains unquestioned throughout the tale. His heroism is another hallmark of the epic genre and another reason why the poem endures for almost three millennia.

From the Paper
"Gilgamesh's friendship with Enkidu is a central theme of the Epic, and such close male bonding is a universal characteristic of this type of literature. The two men begin as rivals of equal strength: "So the mighty brothers fought at first / pushing and shoving each other / for hours and hours enraged. / Then a calm force soothed / then well-matched spirits / to bring a peace and rest their strife," (Tablet 2, Column 4, lines 76-81). Proving their manliness and honor to one another, they solidified their friendship, which is described as "sacred," (Tablet 3, Column 1, lines 1-3). Furthermore, the two men both become bored with mundane city life, and decide to embark on a journey together. Fueled by each other's bravery and courage, the two men endure many hardships along the way such as the demon Humbaba. Enkidu's death devastates Gilgamesh, who overtly displays his human emotions by becoming severely depressed: "Then Gilgamesh wept some more / for his dead friend Despite respite / he could not sleep or dream that night. / Instead he wandered through the woods," (Tablet 9, Column 1, lines 1-2; 19-21)."

Tags:heroism, women, enkidu, friendship, poetry