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The Oxford Handbook of Cuneiform Culture: A Comprehensive Exploration into the Ancient Civilizations of Mesopotamia

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Published in The Oxford Handbook Of Cuneiform Culture (Oxford Handbooks)

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The Oxford Handbook of Cuneiform Culture is an extensive and comprehensive reference work that explores the rich and diverse cuneiform-using civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia. Cuneiform, one of the earliest forms of writing, was used to record the languages of ancient Sumer, Babylonia, and Assyria, providing a wealth of historical, cultural, and linguistic insights into these ancient societies.

The Oxford Handbook of Cuneiform Culture (Oxford Handbooks)

by George R. Milner

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23558 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	848 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Scope and Contents

The Handbook is divided into six parts, each focusing on a different aspect of cuneiform culture:

Part I: Origins and Development

Examines the emergence of cuneiform writing in Sumer, its spread to other regions, and its evolution over time.

Part II: Languages

Explores the different languages written in cuneiform, including Sumerian, Akkadian, Elamite, and Hittite, and their impact on Mesopotamian culture.

Part III: Texts and Documents

Provides detailed analysis of cuneiform texts, including administrative records, legal documents, literary works, and religious texts.

Part IV: Institutions and Society

Investigates the political, economic, and social structures of Mesopotamian civilizations, as revealed through cuneiform sources.

Part V: Art and Archaeology

Explores the visual and material culture of Mesopotamia, examining architecture, sculpture, and other forms of artistic expression.

Part VI: Intellectual Traditions

Examines the intellectual achievements of Mesopotamian civilizations, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.

Key Contributors

The Handbook is authored by a team of renowned scholars and experts in the field of cuneiform studies, including:

Daniel C. Snell (Editor)
Mark S. Smith (Associate Editor)
Rebecca Wright (Associate Editor)
Andrew R. George (Contributing Author)
Hamid al-Haddad (Contributing Author)
Michael J. Hudson (Contributing Author)
Eleanor Robson (Contributing Author)

Significance and Impact

The Oxford Handbook of Cuneiform Culture is a seminal publication that serves as an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the ancient world of Mesopotamia.

Comprehensive Coverage: Provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date overview of cuneiform culture in existence.
Authoritative Content: Written by leading experts in the field, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and scholarship.
Interdisciplinary Perspective: Draws from a variety of disciplines, including history, archaeology, linguistics, and art history.
Accessible Presentation: Despite its scholarly depth, the Handbook is written in an engaging and accessible style, making it approachable for readers of all backgrounds.
Educational Resource: Widely used as a textbook in university courses and as a reference for students and researchers.

The Oxford Handbook of Cuneiform Culture is an invaluable contribution to the study of ancient Mesopotamia. Its comprehensive coverage, authoritative content, and engaging presentation make it an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand the rich and complex civilizations of the ancient world.

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The Oxford Handbook of Cuneiform Culture (Oxford Handbooks)

by George R. Milner

4.9 out of 5