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The Aftermath of Looting: Illegally Excavated Mesopotamian Tablets
He who saw everything in the broad-boned earth, and knew what was to be known, Who had experienced what there was, and had become familiar with all things. The Epic of Gilgamesh. The tornado has started After the US-led invasion of...
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Thoth's Pill - an Animated History of Writing
My animation takes you through the birth and evolution of writing. Watch the story of the world's scripts unfold, from the early cave days to modern writing systems. But only if you choose to take Thoth's Pill... This animated documentary...
Definition
Greek Alphabet
The Greek Alphabet developed from the Phoenician script at some point around the 8th century BCE. The earlier Mycenaean Linear B script, used primarily for lists and inventories, had been lost during the Greek Dark Age, and the technology...
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Writing the Declaration of Independence
A painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris showing Thomas Jefferson (right), Benjamin Franklin (left), and John Adams drafting the U.S. Declaration of Independence in 1776. (Virginia Historical Society, Library of Congress)
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King David Writing Psalms
A 17th century CE artist's rendition of David inscribing one of his famous psalms. By Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (Guercino).
Video
Irving Finkel Teaches How to Write Cuneiform - British Museum
When presented with a meeting-free Friday afternoon we did what any normal person who has access to Irving Finkel would do - we asked him to teach us cuneiform. We're not really sure Nick learned anything, but hopefully you will. Dr. Irving...
Article
Immortality of Writers in Ancient Egypt
For the ancient Egyptians, life on earth was only one part of an eternal journey which continued after death. One's purpose in life was to live in balance with one's self, family, community, and the gods. Any occupation in Egypt was considered...
Definition
Egyptian Hieroglyphs
The Egyptian hieroglyphic script was one of the writing systems used by ancient Egyptians to represent their language. Because of their pictorial elegance, Herodotus and other important Greeks believed that Egyptian hieroglyphs were something...
Video
The Ancient Egyptian God of Writing and Wisdom, Thoth
Thoth is the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom, magic, writing and the moon and was one of the most important gods of the Egyptian pantheon. As the son of gods representing order and chaos, he was also considered the god of equilibrium which...
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Cuneiform Tablet with Envelope from Alalakh
This clay tablet still has its clay envelope. The tablet mentions a legal case before Niqmepuh, King of Iamhad (Aleppo) concerning the legacy of two houses. The seal impressions of ten witnesses (including the King) survive on the fragmentary...