Mnamon

Ancient writing systems in the Mediterranean

A critical guide to electronic resources

Sumerian Cuneiform

- (3rd millennium BC - first centuries of 2nd millennium BC)


Examples of writing



Inscription on a diorite statue of Gudea (c. 2120 B.C.)

Inscription on a diorite statue of Gudea (c. 2120 B.C.)
Source: E. De Sarzec, Découvertes en Chaldée, I, Paris 1884-1912, pl. XVI

Inscription on a diorite statue of Gudea (c. 2120 B.C.)
 

1. dnin-ĝiš-zi-da

2. dingir-gu3-de2-a

3. en5-si

4. lagaški

5. lu2-e2-an-na

6. in-du3-a-kam

 

Ningishzidais the god of Gudea,the city rulerof Lagaš,who has built the (temple) Eanna.



Administrative document on a clay tablet from Umma

Administrative document on a clay tablet from Umma
Source: T. Federici, “Alcune antichità mesopotamiche del Museo Barracco”, Bollettino dei Musei comunali di Roma VIII (1961), 13, 6, n. 346

Administrative document on clay tablet from Umma of the Third Dynasty of Ur (c. 2100-2000 B.C.) concerning the transfer of manpower to an administrative unit.

1. 77 guruš u4 1-še3

2. ki a-ab-ba-ta

3. lugal-e-ba-an-sa6 i3-dab5

r.4. mu bad3 ba-du3

 

77 day-labourers from A’abba Lugalebansha has taken (them). Year (in which) the wall was built.