Early Belief Systems: A Classroom Approach
Early belief systems weren’t just priests, temples, and lists of gods to memorize. Religion was embedded in every aspect of people's lives—at home, in the marketplace—and it informed everyday decisions. In this session, we’ll explore the “lived ancient religion” approach, shifting the focus from institutions and doctrines to the real choices and practices of ordinary people. Through three case studies from the ancient Near East and Mediterranean, we’ll make belief systems feel tangible, complex, and human. You’ll leave with practical teaching strategies to help students move beyond surface-level summaries so they can question, investigate, and connect lived ancient religion to broader historical themes.
Questions? Email us at events@oerproject.com.
About the facilitator: Greg Woolf is the Leon Levy Director of the NYU Institute for the Study of the Ancient World.
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