Transmission and Masculinity between Ancient Mesopotamian, Greek, and Hebrew Literary Traditions

An exploration of gender roles in antiquity through literary themes, motifs, expressions, social institutions, value systems, and worldviews common to classical literature.

Daniel Bodi explores the literary themes, motifs, expressions, social institutions, value systems, and worldviews common to the Hebrew Bible, Amorite semi-nomads from Mari on the Euphrates in Northern Syria, and classical Greek Homeric epics.

While a common Mediterranean background of several shared features between these cultural and literary traditions is often recognized, the vectors and means of their transmission and adaptation have remained elusive. Combining literary analysis with contemporary interest in gender studies, Bodi examines the recurring motif of masculinity in ancient literature, exploring the presupposition of a warrior’s virility, bravura, and courage while also drawing attention to examples of dynamic relationships with female characters.