Babylonian-Assyrian Birth-Omens and Their Cultural Significance (eBook)

Morris Jastrow, Jr. (1861–1921) was an American orientalist and librarian, known for his extensive contributions to the field of Assyriology, the study of the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. Born into an academic family, Jastrow pursued his passion for ancient languages and culture at the University of Pennsylvania, where he later became a professor of Semitic languages and served as the university librarian. His scholarly work is characterized by a meticulous examination of Assyrian and Babylonian religious and cultural practices. One of his notable works, 'Babylonian-Assyrian Birth-Omens and Their Cultural Significance' (1914), stands as a testament to his interest in divination and astrology as practiced in ancient Mesopotamia. This book, along with others like 'Religion of Babylonia and Assyria' (1898), showcases Jastrow's ability to synthesize complex material and provide contextual analysis that has continued to influence Assyriologists and historians. Jastrow was also an active member of various learned societies and contributed to the broader understanding of Mesopotamian civilizations through his editorship for the 'Journal of Biblical Literature.' His literary style often combined rigorous scholarship with an accessible narrative, bridging the gap between academia and the educated public. Jastrow's legacy is preserved in his numerous writings and his role in shaping the field of Assyriology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.