They were to be taught all “the language and literature of the Babylonians” (Dan 1:4b). That is, they were to have a complete re-education in Babylonian culture and civilization. Now the Mesopotamian civilization was one of the oldest and most advanced of the ancient world. It had made great achievements in literature, mathematics, astronomy, and primitive science. But it was also riddled with all the features of polytheism, that is, a religion with many gods