Religion and Politics in the Ancient Near East

Political and religious spheres in the ancient Near East were closely interconnected and influenced each other. Using specific historical sources, this lecture explores several examples: the role of divination in royal decision-making and how kings sought protection against unfavourable omens; the divine character of kingship and rulers who themselves attained divine status; relations between palace and temple institutions, including rulers' participation in cult activities; and the construction of royal ideology through inscriptions and epic narratives proclaiming divine support, royal piety and temple-building achievements.

FrantišekVálekis an assistant professor at the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Pardubice. His main research interest is the religion of the ancient Near East, particularly Late Bronze Age Syria. Among other topics, he studies royal epics and divination at royal courts.