the concept of Hell goes much further back that Christianity.
It has been called many things throughout the ages, the underworld, the netherworld..etc. but the concepts has always remained the same. It is a place where the human souls of sinners and evil-doers are sent to be eternally punished for their evil deeds and mistakes.
Due to my status on this website, i will not continue to elaborate on this subject in a public board for fear of a heated religious debate, as we have had many in the past. So consider this a warning to all who post in this topic. You are entitled to your opinion so long as it does not intentionally bash or degrade the beliefs of another individual
Actually the Underworld =/= Hell.
The Underworld was divided into different sections based upon how people had lived their lives, and while there was a section for punishment there were also sections for the pure, the good and the average. The reason behind this being that human souls didn't ascend to the same place as the Gods unless they were granted Godhood.
Personally, I don't believe in Hell. I don't believe in the Devil either.