Daniel is saved from lions by God in chapter 6 of the Book of Daniel. Story parallels chapter 3 about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Chapters 1-6 date from Hellenistic period (3rd-2nd century BC). Anonymous narrator tells stories except chapter 4 from Nebuchadnezzar
Sumerian religion was practiced by first literate civilization in Mesopotamia. City-states were initially ruled by priests before kingship. Temples evolved from simple platforms to ziggurats by end of civilization
Hinduism is an umbrella term for Indian religious traditions unified by dharma concept. Term "Hindu" derives from Sanskrit Sindhu, meaning Indus River. Hinduism emerged between 500-200 BCE as fusion of Brahmanical orthopraxy and Indian cultures
Maat represented truth, cosmic balance, and justice in ancient Egyptian religion. Her ostrich feather symbolized truth and cosmic order. Her ideological opposite was Isfet (chaos, violence). Maat was the daughter of Ra and wife of Thoth
Curse is any wish for adversity or misfortune to befall. Can be supernatural or magical, often called hex or jinx. Study of curses forms significant part of folk religion
Samuel's books traditionally attributed to him, supplemented by Nathan and Gad. Modern scholarship suggests multiple authorship through source-critical analysis. Wellhausen proposed four authors for Pentateuch, reflecting different religious stages. Noth proposed single writer organizing Israel's history from Canaan to exile