In layman’s terms, what is the wider impact of your research? The way that different civilisations use literature to express cultural values, and to address the ‘big questions,’ is most interesting. I also work on the comparative study of ancient religions – from Ancient Israel, to Mesopotamia, as well as Greece and Rome. I’m currently writing a book on Ishtar, the Mesopotamian goddess of love. My research is focused on exploring the literature of the Ancient Near East, especially Mesopotamian myths and epics. What would be an ‘elevator pitch’ of your research area? Teaching these units together provides a wonderful opportunity to consider how the biblical authors constructed their texts, both in terms of narrative techniques and the language of the Bible itself. In my new role, I’m teaching the history of Ancient Israel and Ancient Hebrew. I’m interested in the world’s oldest written narratives, epics and myths. My research explores what these stories say about humanity, divinity, animality and civilisation.

I think a love of stories drew me to my field. Thomas King said that the truth about story is, that’s all we are. We sat down with her to learn about her research career and her new role at Macquarie.

Dr Louise Pryke recently joined the Department of Ancient History in a new position created through the generous support of the Education Heritage Foundation.

Scorpion by Louise M. Pryke