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Cuneiform (Radio Edit)

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Shownote

Greg Jenner is joined in ancient Mesopotamia by Dr Moudhy Al-Rashid and comedian Phil Wang to learn about the history of cuneiform, the oldest writing system in the world. In the 19th Century, European scholars began to translate inscriptions found on rui...

Highlights

In a journey back to the cradle of civilization, Greg Jenner, Dr. Moudhy Al-Rashid, and Phil Wang explore the origins and impact of cuneiform—the world’s earliest known writing system. From its beginnings in ancient Mesopotamia to the modern efforts to decode it, this episode delves into how this wedge-shaped script shaped communication, preserved culture, and recorded the everyday lives of people long gone.
02:41
Cuneiform is the earliest writing system, developed before 3000 BCE in southern Iraq.
05:16
Rawlinson's work on the Behistun Inscription was key to unlocking cuneiform, enabling the study of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations.
09:46
Cuneiform writing was invented about 5,350 years ago using clay due to its abundance near two rivers.
12:29
Enheduanna wrote temple hymns 4,300 years ago, becoming the first named author in history.
24:54
Laa Tubashini fought for her son's freedom in court, showing ancient legal agency.

Chapters

The Birth of Writing: How Cuneiform Began
00:00
Wedges and Words: Understanding the Script’s Shape and Spread
02:41
Cracking the Code: The Deciphering of a Lost Language
05:16
Echoes in Clay: The Library That Survived a Civilization
09:46
From Beer to Letters: Writing for Business and Everyday Life
12:29
Voices of the Ancients: Emotion, Faith, and the Stories We Leave Behind
19:48

Transcript

Moudhy Al-Rashid: This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. Phil Wang: Residents at Brightview Senior Living Communities enjoy enhanced possibilities, independence and choice. Brightview Dulles, Corner and Herndon and Brightview Great Falls off...