It has been a wonderful experience exploring the world of the Ancient Near East through the imaginative worlds created by this year’s entrants. It has been a tough year and creative outlets have been something that we have found refuge in and is, therefore, something we should celebrate.
This year’s entries have been impressive for the imaginative ways that our authors have used the source material. Some have been heavily inspired by primary ancient texts, bringing a new perspective to the lives of the region’s key political players. Others have tackled the lives of ordinary citizens in Babylon, Egypt and Anatolia. Some daring entrants have even stretched the boundaries of historical fiction to gift us with a fascinating take on Mesopotamian mythology.
If you are an entrant, short listee, or a curious reader, I hope you enjoy reading this selection of stories as much as I did.
I am excited to announce this year’s 10 shortlisted entries, listed in alphabetical order.
- Burden of the Gods – Jacob Hanley
- Etemenanki – Mender Mae
- Euphrates – Emma Edling Müller
- His Greatest Treasure – Peter Collins
- Mother of Words – Marion Grace Woolley
- Prime Meridian 3 – Roxanne Gregory
- The Dawning Day – Zoe Adlam
- The Memories of Mortals – Shubhankar Reddy
- Gary Thomson
- Two Cows from Gina – Roman South
We will announce the winner and give them their prize on the 14th May.
If you are interested in taking part in this competition in the future, then sign up for our e-mail newsletter below and we will send you updates regarding our next competition in October.
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