Writing Cuneiform

Summary

The video explains the significance of the Cyrus Cylinder, emphasizing its use of the Babylonian language and the traditional cuneiform script. The script, written for a Babylonian audience, utilizes a system of strokes pressed into clay to form characters. The narrator demonstrates how the name of Cyrus (Kurash) is written using cuneiform, breaking down each symbol and its components. This segment showcases the ancient writing system that dates back to over 3,000 B.C., offering a glimpse into the linguistic and cultural heritage of the time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Cyrus Cylinder was written in the Babylonian language, a Semitic tongue related to Hebrew, Arabic, and Aramaic.
• 😀 The cuneiform script used on the cylinder dates back to ancient Iraq and was developed well before 3000 BCE.
• 😀 Cuneiform writing is created by pressing a stylus into nearly dry clay, forming various stroke patterns to represent sounds.
• 😀 The script conveys the name of Cyrus as 'Kurash' and includes references to his kingship, including 'King of the World' and 'King of Babylon'.
• 😀 The writing system consists of individual signs that must be connected to form words and convey meaning.
• 😀 The first part of the name 'Kurash' is written as 'Ku', with specific vertical and horizontal strokes forming a box-like shape.
• 😀 The second part, 'Ra', is represented with three strong horizontals, a small vertical wedge, and a larger vertical wedge.
• 😀 The final part of the name, 'Ash', consists of three long horizontal lines with a vertical line in the middle.
• 😀 The cuneiform script is a unique and ancient method of writing that evolved in Mesopotamia over thousands of years.
• 😀 The Cylinder was created for a Babylonian audience and reflects the political and cultural significance of Cyrus's reign.

Q & A

What language was the Cyrus Cylinder written in?

The Cyrus Cylinder was written in the Babylonian language, a Semitic tongue related to Hebrew, Arabic, and Aramaic.

Why was the Cyrus Cylinder written in the Babylonian language?

The Cyrus Cylinder was intended for a Babylonian audience, and writing in their language ensured that the message would be understood by the people it was meant for.

What writing system was used for the Cyrus Cylinder?

The writing system used for the Cyrus Cylinder was the traditional cuneiform script, which was invented in ancient Iraq well before 3,000 B.C.

How was cuneiform written?

Cuneiform was written by pressing a stylus, similar to a chopstick, into the surface of nearly dry clay, creating various stroke arrangements to convey the sounds of the language.

How does a reader interpret cuneiform script?

A reader interprets cuneiform script by joining the individual signs, which are written one by one, to form the sounds of the language.

What does the line 'I am Kurash, King of the World, the Great King, King of Babylon' signify?

This line from the Cyrus Cylinder declares the identity and titles of Cyrus, asserting his dominion over the world, and specifically, over Babylon.

What is the first sign in the cuneiform representation of 'Kurash'?

The first sign for 'Kurash' is 'Ku', which consists of a large vertical stroke, two smaller horizontal strokes, a larger horizontal stroke, a small vertical stroke, and another horizontal stroke arranged in a box-like shape.

How is the second part of 'Kurash' written in cuneiform?

The second part, 'Ra', is written with three strong horizontal strokes, followed by a large one next to them, and then a vertical wedge and a larger vertical wedge.

What does the cuneiform sign for 'Ash' look like?

The cuneiform sign for 'Ash' consists of three long horizontal strokes and a vertical stroke in the middle.

How is the name 'Kurash' represented in cuneiform?

The name 'Kurash' is represented in cuneiform by combining the signs for 'Ku', 'Ra', and 'Ash' to form 'Ku Ra Ash'.