Cuneiform
noun
An ancient writing system used in the Middle East and Persia, with wedge-shaped marks.
Archaeologists are studying the cuneiform inscriptions found on ancient clay tablets.
Often appears as...
- cuneiform inscription
- cuneiform tablet
Usage tips
Historical,Academic
adjective
In the shape of a wedge, like marks in cuneiform writing.
Cuneiform bones are present in both human hands and feet.
Usage tips
Medical,Academic
noun
An ancient writing system used in the Middle East and Persia, with wedge-shaped marks.
Archaeologists are studying the cuneiform inscriptions found on ancient clay tablets.
Often appears as...
- cuneiform inscription
- cuneiform tablet
Usage tips
Historical,Academic
adjective
In the shape of a wedge, like marks in cuneiform writing.
Cuneiform bones are present in both human hands and feet.
Usage tips
Medical,Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Ancient Origins
Cuneiform refers specifically to the earliest known writing system developed over 5,000 years ago.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known works of literature, written in cuneiform.
Pro Tip 2/3Clay Tablets
Cuneiform was commonly inscribed on clay tablets which were then baked to preserve the writing.
Many cuneiform tablets were used for recording transactions or laws.
Pro Tip 3/3Middle Eastern History
Understanding cuneiform is essential for studying ancient Mesopotamian cultures like the Sumerians and Babylonians.
Cuneiform writings provide insights into the administration of ancient Mesopotamian cities.
Pro Tip 1/3Ancient Origins
Cuneiform refers specifically to the earliest known writing system developed over 5,000 years ago.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known works of literature, written in cuneiform.
Pro Tip 2/3Clay Tablets
Cuneiform was commonly inscribed on clay tablets which were then baked to preserve the writing.
Many cuneiform tablets were used for recording transactions or laws.
Pro Tip 3/3Middle Eastern History
Understanding cuneiform is essential for studying ancient Mesopotamian cultures like the Sumerians and Babylonians.
Cuneiform writings provide insights into the administration of ancient Mesopotamian cities.
Pro Tip 1/3Ancient Origins
Cuneiform refers specifically to the earliest known writing system developed over 5,000 years ago.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the oldest known works of literature, written in cuneiform.
Pro Tip 2/3Clay Tablets
Cuneiform was commonly inscribed on clay tablets which were then baked to preserve the writing.
Many cuneiform tablets were used for recording transactions or laws.
Pro Tip 3/3Middle Eastern History
Understanding cuneiform is essential for studying ancient Mesopotamian cultures like the Sumerians and Babylonians.
Cuneiform writings provide insights into the administration of ancient Mesopotamian cities.
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Video examples
Why are these 32 symbols...
with its symmetrical markings on the left, possible stylized representations of hands in the middle, and what looks a bit like a bracket on the right. The oldest systems of graphic communication in the world -- Sumerian cuneiform, Egyptian hieroglyphs, the earliest Chinese script,
Video examples
Ancient Mesopotamia 101...
What began as simple pictures scrawled onto wet clay to keep track of goods and wealth developed into a sophisticated writing system by the year 3,200 BC. This writing system would come to be called cuneiform
Video examples
The rise and fall of...
Waves of nomadic tribes poured into the region from the north and east. Some newcomers looked up to the Sumerians, adopting their way of life and using the cuneiform script to express their own languages.
Video examples
Why are these 32 symbols...
with its symmetrical markings on the left, possible stylized representations of hands in the middle, and what looks a bit like a bracket on the right. The oldest systems of graphic communication in the world -- Sumerian cuneiform, Egyptian hieroglyphs, the earliest Chinese script,
Video examples
Ancient Mesopotamia 101...
What began as simple pictures scrawled onto wet clay to keep track of goods and wealth developed into a sophisticated writing system by the year 3,200 BC. This writing system would come to be called cuneiform
Video examples
The rise and fall of...
Waves of nomadic tribes poured into the region from the north and east. Some newcomers looked up to the Sumerians, adopting their way of life and using the cuneiform script to express their own languages.
Example 1 of 3
Quote examples
David Longstreth
American Musician
I've always loved cuneiform; I've always loved the way it looks. I love that it's the world's oldest script. And the creative potential of bad translation or misunderstanding or something has always been at the core of the idea of 'Dirty Projectors.' So the cuneiform is pretty playful - basically, just a joke.
Quote examples
Edan Lepucki
American Novelist
I love how easy it is to run my business, Writing Workshops Los Angeles, with the help of email and my website. I love that I don't have to use cuneiform, a quill, or a typewriter to write my novels - I love to write on my laptop!
Quote examples
Margaret Atwood
Canadian Novelist
Some of our earliest writing, in cuneiform, was about who owes what.
Quote examples
David Longstreth
American Musician
I've always loved cuneiform; I've always loved the way it looks. I love that it's the world's oldest script. And the creative potential of bad translation or misunderstanding or something has always been at the core of the idea of 'Dirty Projectors.' So the cuneiform is pretty playful - basically, just a joke.
Quote examples
Edan Lepucki
American Novelist
I love how easy it is to run my business, Writing Workshops Los Angeles, with the help of email and my website. I love that I don't have to use cuneiform, a quill, or a typewriter to write my novels - I love to write on my laptop!
Quote examples
Margaret Atwood
Canadian Novelist
Some of our earliest writing, in cuneiform, was about who owes what.
Example 1 of 3
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