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Cuneiform: the world’s first writing system

You're Dead to Me

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Unraveling Cuneiform: History and Decipherment

This chapter explores the origins and significance of cuneiform, the earliest known writing system, developed around 3000 BCE in Mesopotamia. The discussion includes comparisons with other ancient scripts, the decipherment efforts led by figures like Henry Rawlinson, and the intriguing challenges faced in decoding cuneiform texts such as the Behistun inscription. Through a blend of humor and historical insight, the speakers highlight both the collaborative nature and spirited rivalries among early philologists in their quest to understand this ancient writing.

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