Search results for cuneiform symbols

Condensed Matter Aug 30, 2023

Writing in water using an ion-exchange bead as a pen

Writing is an age-old cultural technique. Thousands of years ago, humans were already carving signs and symbols into stone slabs. Scripts have become far more sophisticated since then but one aspect remains the same: Whether ...

Archaeology Aug 22, 2023

The idea that imprisonment 'corrects' prisoners stretches back to some of the earliest texts in history

Prisons are places of suffering. But in theory, they aim for something beyond punishment: reform.

Archaeology Nov 21, 2022

Research sheds new light on foodways in the first cities in Mesopotamia

The world's first urban state societies developed in Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq, some 5,500 years ago.

Other May 6, 2022

A motif perched within the Gilgameš Epic

Birds call forth a myriad of meanings in the Gilgameš Epic. Winged creatures convey abundance and revelry, enhance the narrative's soundscape, and foretell events in the story. In the article "Soundscapes, Portentous Calls, ...

Archaeology Jul 14, 2014

Prehistoric 'bookkeeping' continued long after invention of writing

An archaeological dig in southeast Turkey has uncovered a large number of clay tokens that were used as records of trade until the advent of writing, or so it had been believed.

Other Oct 23, 2012

Technology helping to crack oldest undeciphered writing system

(Phys.org)—New technology has allowed researchers to come closer than ever to cracking the world's oldest undeciphered writing system.

Social Sciences Sep 23, 2011

Barnard professor explores the rich, sweet history of milk

Throughout history, milk has been a symbol of motherhood and fertility, but also prosperity, health and strength. In Hindu mythology a churning ocean of milk releases the nectar of immortality. Statues of the Egyptian ...

Archaeology Jul 12, 2010

Oldest written document ever found in Jerusalem

A tiny clay fragment - dating from the 14th century B.C.E. - that was found in excavations outside Jerusalem's Old City walls contains the oldest written document ever found in Jerusalem, say researchers at the Hebrew University ...