Originally the fifth in a series of five lectures delivered at Harvard University, this extract is an early attempt to tackle a formidable subject: the religion of ancient Iraq, or Mesopotamia. In this final essay of the series Rogers considers the myths and epics of the Mesopotamians, highlighting the myths of Adapa, Ishtar’s descent to the netherworld, and the Gilgamesh epic, especially concentrating on the deluge account. A useful brief introduction to the major stories of Mesopotamia, his account may still be read today to mine for Rogers’ early insights. Engaging and informative, his narrative is accessible to the specialist and general reader alike. All subsequent explorations of this subject owe a debt of gratitude to his pioneering study.

Robert William Rogers (1864-1930) earned his Ph.D. at Leipzig University. His teaching career included appointments at Drew Theological Seminary in New Jersey, and Princeton University, where he taught Ancient Oriental Literature. His best know publication is his two-volume A History of Babylonia and Assyria.