Pan-Babylonism: Core Ideas of Four Foundational Scholars

 

Pan-Babylonism: Core Ideas of Four Foundational Scholars

The Pan-Babylonian school proposed that Babylonian culture significantly influenced the myths, religions, and sacred texts of both the ancient Near East and the Western world. Four leading scholars shaped these ideas: Friedrich Delitzsch, Peter Jensen, Alfred Jeremias, and Hugo Winckler.

Friedrich Delitzsch – "Babel and Bible"

Delitzsch highlighted the profound connections between Babylonian texts and the Bible. He emphasized parallels in creation myths (Enuma Elish) and flood stories (Atrahasis and Gilgamesh), arguing that biblical narratives drew heavily from Babylonian mythology. His claims sparked debates between proponents of Pan-Babylonism and defenders of biblical uniqueness.

Peter Jensen – The Epic of Gilgamesh as a Universal Source

Jensen expanded Pan-Babylonian ideas by asserting that nearly all major religious stories in the ancient Near East derived from the Epic of Gilgamesh. He emphasized similarities between figures like Gilgamesh and Noah and argued that biblical myths were directly rooted in Babylonian traditions.

Alfred Jeremias – Astronomy and Mythology

Jeremias focused on the intersection of astronomy, mythology, and religion. He argued that astronomical symbols, such as stars and planets, influenced biblical figures and narratives, including Ezekiel’s chariot and Babylonian cosmic systems.

Hugo Winckler – The Hittites and Global Connections

Winckler explored Babylonian cultural influences on the Hittites, proposing that an interconnected "cultural system" linked ancient Near Eastern civilizations. His ideas on early cross-cultural connections broadened Pan-Babylonian perspectives.

Conclusion

These four scholars converged on a shared insight: Babylonian culture served as a religious, scientific,  and cultural hub, profoundly shaping the development of ancient myths and religions.