The archæology of the cuneiform inscriptions

This volume offers a clear, engaging overview of the early days when scholars first began to unlock the secrets of cuneiform writing. Drawing from a series of celebrated lectures, it walks listeners through the painstaking process of deciphering wedge‑shaped symbols without a Rosetta‑type key, revealing how names of kings and gods were gradually recovered. The author’s careful explanations make a complex intellectual adventure accessible, highlighting both the triumphs and the inevitable missteps of those pioneering researchers.

Beyond the linguistics, the book places cuneiform tablets within a vibrant tapestry of ancient Near Eastern life. It argues persuasively for more systematic excavations, showing how new finds—from Hittite archives to Babylonian treaties—reshape our understanding of inter‑regional trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange in the seventh century B.C. Listeners will come away with a renewed appreciation for the interconnected world that flourished long before modern borders.