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Ancient stories such as Homer's epics and material that would eventually form the basis for much of the Old Testament, were often passed down orally by skilled tradents who could memorise and repeat great tracts of material. They used special techniques to assist in this, including the use of poetry as much of the older material in The Bible is in poetic form. Names were frequently meaningful to the storyline, and some of the more well known of these are:
- Adam (the first man) - means 'man'
- Abram (putatively the exalted ancestor) - 'the father is exalted'
- Abraham - 'the father of many'
- Sarai - 'princess' (archaic Hebrew)
- Sarah - 'princess' (later Hebrew)
- Isaac (Abraham laughed when told that he would have a son) - 'he laughs'
- Jacob - Hebrew Ya'aqobh: "one that takes by the heel" (see Genesis 25:26)
- Israel (who wrestled with God) - various possible meanings: 'wrestled with God', 'ruler over God', 'God rules', God will rule' or 'god who will rule'
- Joseph (text: "May the Lord add me another son") - yosef: 'add'.
Numbers were often chosen to be easily remembered. Well known is the use of the number 40 for various events and periods in the Old Testament. Less apparent is that most of the periods associated with the major Judges are multiples of the number 20.
Even before the middle of the first millennium BCE, these stories were starting to be written down. Scholars of the Greek classics have sought to establish what parts of Homer's epics were handed down orally from the archaic period and what was added or altered in classic times. Similarly, biblical scholars have studied the authorship and origins of the Pentateuch and other ancient books of the Old Testament.
Of course, stories such as the epic of Gilgamesh were sometimes carved in stone or written on papyrus long before the first millennium BCE, but these materials were more often used for memorial stela and for commercial records.
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How have myths been preserved?
In ancient times myths were passed down in oral tradition. It is not possible to know how much change and mutation those early myths might have undergone. Myths recorded on paper were much more accurately preserved, and for much longer stretches of time, as language evolves more slowly than mythology.
In ancient times the great people and great stories of a culture were often shared in the form of a?
manuscript
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Haley's comet
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sliver has been around since ancient times. Scientists and geologist have no recorded of when or who.
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What are some of the differences between the ancient period and the prehistoric period?
In simple terms, we do have recorded information of ancient times in written form or other means. But prehistoric periods are just as the word implies -- it's before recorded history.
What is the name of first ship?
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There is no way of knowing, because people have been telling ghost stories since ancient times, long before anyone thought of writing the stories down.
When were Sail boats in mesopotamia made?
In ancient times, certainly before written and recorded history. No definite date can be given.
Who invented the timpani and when?
The first recorded use of early Tympanum was in "ancient times when it is known that they were used in religious ceremonies by Hebrews."
How were the Romans uncivilized or unclean?
not at allbut they did not agree with democracy that is trueone of the most popular stories of ancient roman times is julias ceaser
Who spotted Mars?
Mars has been observed since ancient times and nobody is sure who spotted it first as it is only recorded as prehistory.
