Pumping Up with the Myths of Babylonia and Assyria

This book is a collection of myths from ancient civilizations that were said to have originated from Mesopotamia, specifically in present-day Iraq. It has stories of creation, heroism, and gods and goddesses that would have rivalled those of the Greeks and the Romans. But why read it, and why is it relevant for lifters?

Well, first off, there’s a lot of talk about strength and power in this book. Gods and goddesses are depicted as being physically imposing, and a lot of the stories involve testing one’s might against others. Secondly, there are many references to the “gains” that come with competence and strength, with some gods achieving a certain status because of their battle prowess. Lastly, the way the Mesopotamians viewed their gods is similar to how people view fitness heroes today: they were inspiring, and people would try to emulate them. In Myths of Babylonia and Assyria, many stories show heroes trying to gain favor with their gods by showing their physical prowess.

But don’t think that this book is all about hard work and grit. There are many funny and quirky stories here too, featuring gods trying to trick each other or mortals trying to outwit the divine. Overall, this book provides an interesting portrayal of an ancient civilization that took strength and physical ability seriously, and one that we can learn a lot from.

So, are you itching to grab a copy yet? Go ahead and do so. It might make you feel more connected to the roots of strength training. And let’s face it, who doesn’t like a good story?

In the gym, be sure to channel the spirit of the ancient gods and goddesses by going all out in your workout. Lift heavy and push beyond your limits, just like how they did it back in the day. And if you’re feeling extra daring, try out some of the exercises that the ancient Mesopotamians might have done – who knows, you might uncover something new!

Let me know in the comments what you thought about the book, and what you did in the gym today. Let’s get pumped and conquer our fitness goals together!

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