Similar Themes in Ancient Religion

''Among the sacred legends of the Babylonians and Assyrians the following were the most remarkable. They believed that at a remote date, before the creation of the world, there had been war in heaven. Seven spirits, created by Ami to be his messengers, took counsel together and resolved to revolt against high heaven, the dwelling-place of Ann the king, they plotted evil, and unexpectedly made a fierce attack. The moon, the sun and Vul, the god of the atmosphere, withstood them and after a fearful struggle bent them off. There was then peace for a while. But once more, at a later date, a fresh revolt broke out... their leader who is unnamed, took the form of a dragon, and in that shape contended avith the god of Bel, who proved victorious in combat, and slew his adversary by means of a thunderbolt. Upon this, the entire host of the wicked angels took to flight, and was driven to the abode of the seven spirits of evil, where they were forced to remain, their return to heaven being prohibited.''

''The following is the Chaldsean account of the Deluge, as rendered from the original .... He spake to me and said: -- 'Son of Ubaratutu, make a ship after this fashion... for I destroy the sinners and life... and cause to enter in all the seed of life, that thou mayst preserve them. The ship which thou shalt make, ... cubits shall be the measure of the length thereof, and.. cubits measure of the breadth and height thereof; and into the deep thou shalt launch it... And enter thou into the ship, and shut the door; and bring into the midst of it thy grain, and thy furniture , and thy goods, thy wealth, thy servants... I will gather to thee the beats of the field, and tha animals, and I will bring them to thee; and they shall be enclosed within thy door.... ''

-- Rawlinson, George: The Religions of the Ancient World.

It's interesting how similar themes go across different ancient religions. You wonder if they have copied each other, or whether they similarly draw on and reflect actual past events to some extent. The flood story is ubiquitous. Any way I'm going to research more into this topic to find out.