Dream interpretation in ancient civilizations

Dream interpretation was regarded by ancient peoples in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and pome as an art requiring intelligence and, sometimes, divine i nspiration. It became a motif in literature. It was treated as a science by philosophers and physicians. Dreams were thought to come either as clear m essages, or as symbols requiring interpretation. In a method called incubat ion, the dreamer could sleep in a sacred place in expectation of a dream th at would elucidate a problem for which the dreamer desired guidance. Dream- books listing images and their meanings were popular Historians reported le aders' famous dreams that affected the course of events. Very few ancient w riters were skeptical of dreams; Cicero was one. Dream interpretation was a n honored profession with exponents such as Artemidorus of Daldis. Ancient dream traditions and beliefs can provide perspective for consideration of m ore recent theories of dream interpretation.