What are similarities between Old Testament and earlier religions?

Answer 1

There are many similarities, of which the following are just a few from the Sumerian religion: Creation

In Genesis, when God began to create the world, there was a watery chaos. God planted the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve lived an idyllic existence. 'Eden' is derived from the Sumerian edin, meaning "a plain" or "open country". In the Sumerian creation story, earth emerged from a watery chaos, and the gods planted a watered garden where humans lived in paradise. Gilgamesh was an oppressive ruler, so his constituents appealled to the gods, who create a nemesis, Enhdu. Born naked in the wilderness, Enkidu was tempted by a harlot, who educated him about sin and taught him to wear clothes. The similarities to Adam and Eve are striking.

Babel

Sumerian epics describe a time when all humans shared a single language until the gods intervened to create a confusion of tongues. This parallels the biblical story of Babel.

Jacob After Enkidu died, Gilgamesh wrestled with an unknown supernatural figure in a scene that prefigures the biblical moment when Abraham's grandson Jacob also wrestled with God.

Noah's Flood The gods had planned to destroy the earth with a flood. One god had taken pity and advised Umapishtim to abandon his possessions, build a seven-tiered ship, and take with him the seed of all creatures. Umapishtim did so, and after seven days, the ark landed on a mountain and he sent forth a dove.

Answer 2

The ancient Roman religions had a Pontiff and had Vestal Virgins who were very much like nuns.