From Laundry Lists to Liturgies: The Origins of Writing in Ancient Mesopotamia

The discussion begins with Timothy Potts, the director of the J. Paul Getty Museum, welcoming viewers to the museum and introducing Irving Finkel, the senior curator of the cuneiform tablet collection at the British Museum in London. Potts highlights the ongoing exhibition at the Getty Villa, 'Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins,' which showcases significant artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia. He mentions the exhibition's challenging journey due to COVID-19 and expresses gratitude to the Louvre in Paris for their support. Potts also encourages viewers to visit the exhibition before it ends and to participate in the Q&A session. He acknowledges the importance of the cuneiform collection and looks forward to exploring its treasures with Finkel.

The conversation shifts to the invention of writing, with Mesopotamia being renowned for numerous 'firsts,' including the first cities and writing systems. Finkel explains that cuneiform is the oldest known form of writing, initially used for two distinct languages, Sumerian and Akkadian. He describes the Sumerians as the first literate people with no known modern relatives for their language. Potts adds that the Sumerian language was isolated from other languages, unlike most ancient languages that belong to families. The discussion also touches on the artistic and cultural influence of Sumerian artifacts on modern artists like Henry Moore.

Finkel delves into the specifics of cuneiform writing, noting that it was inscribed on clay tablets, a natural medium from the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. He describes the process of obtaining clay and using reeds as writing tools, or 'styluses.' Potts emphasizes the longevity and availability of these materials, which contributed to the widespread use of cuneiform for over 3,000 years. Finkel also explains the transition from pictographic to cuneiform writing, highlighting the evolution of the script and its ability to represent complex ideas and numbers.

The discussion highlights the earliest writings in Mesopotamia, which were primarily administrative texts. Finkel describes the evolution of writing from pictographs to a system capable of representing abstract concepts and complex language structures. Potts notes the significance of the earliest cuneiform tablets, which were used for bookkeeping and administration. Finkel also discusses the development of numerical systems within the cuneiform script, including the use of different counting methods for various commodities.

Finkel explains how the cuneiform script evolved from simple pictographs to a sophisticated writing system capable of representing any word in the language. He describes the transition to syllabic writing, where a single sign could represent a syllable, allowing for the expression of any idea or concept. Potts emphasizes the flexibility and expressiveness of cuneiform, which became the most beautiful writing system ever invented until the invention of the alphabet. Finkel also discusses the significance of this development for human history, considering it more monumental than the moon landing.

The conversation turns to the influence of Sumerian cuneiform on neighboring cultures, specifically the Proto-Elamites. Finkel describes how the Proto-Elamites developed their own writing system, inspired by Sumerian cuneiform, with some signs shared between the two systems. Potts adds that the Sumerian system likely served as a model for the development of writing in Egypt, given the similarities and the chronological evidence. Both speakers agree that the spread of cuneiform writing reflects the interconnectedness of ancient cultures and the exchange of ideas.

Finkel and Potts discuss the education of scribes in ancient Mesopotamia, highlighting the rigorous training and the use of standardized texts like the Epic of Gilgamesh. They describe the process of learning to write, which involved memorization and practice on clay tablets. Potts notes the existence of both public and private education systems and the high quality of calligraphy produced by skilled scribes. Finkel shares an amusing anecdote about a student's caricature of a strict teacher on a clay tablet, showcasing the human element of ancient education.

The discussion moves to the role of scribes in society, focusing on a letter from King Tushratta of Mitanni to Pharaoh Amenhotep III of Egypt. Finkel explains the process of composing and translating the letter, which involved multiple languages and scribal expertise. Potts emphasizes the importance of cuneiform as an international language for diplomacy and administration. The conversation also touches on the versatility of scribes, who could work in various capacities, from palace officials to city gate letter writers.

Finkel and Potts discuss the use of cuneiform for propaganda and inscriptions in ancient Mesopotamia. They describe how kings used inscriptions on bricks and monuments to promote their achievements and legitimize their rule. Potts mentions the use of archaic writing styles to convey a sense of tradition and continuity. Finkel highlights the importance of understanding the historical context of these inscriptions, as they provide insights into the culture and values of the time.

The conversation turns to the preservation of knowledge in ancient Mesopotamia, with a focus on the library of Ashurbanipal, the last powerful ruler of Assyria. Finkel describes the vast collection of texts, which covered a wide range of subjects from grammar and lexicography to magic and medicine. Potts emphasizes the significance of these texts for understanding the intellectual and cultural heritage of Mesopotamia. The discussion also touches on the impact of the discovery of these texts on the field of Assyriology.

Finkel and Potts discuss the famous flood tablet, which contains an account of the Great Flood that is believed to be the basis for the biblical story of Noah. Finkel recounts the discovery of the tablet by George Smith, a British Museum assistant, and his激动的 reaction to finding a narrative that corresponded with the Bible. Potts highlights the importance of the tablet for understanding the literary and religious traditions of Mesopotamia.

The discussion concludes with a reflection on the decline of cuneiform writing and the legacy of Mesopotamian culture. Finkel and Potts note the gradual disappearance of cuneiform as a living language and the challenges faced by contemporary scholars in the field of Assyriology. They express hope for the future of the discipline and the continued exploration of Mesopotamian texts, which hold invaluable insights into the history of human civilization.