Cuneiform
From ArchaeoWiki
Cuneiform |ˌkjuːnɪfɔːm| |kjuːˌneɪɪfɔːm| or cuneiform writing is the term commonly used to refer to a system of writing that employs characters composed of predominately wedge-shaped markings to denote sounds and meaning.
The English term "cuneiform" first appeared in the late 17th century CE, adopted from French cunéiforme or modern Latin cuneiformis, from Latin cuneus, meaning "wedge".
Cuneiform was used in particular to write in the Sumerian and Akkadian languages, as well as Hittite.
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Bibliography
- Horowitz, Wayne, Oshima, T. and Sandars, Seth [2006], Cuneiform in Canaan - Cuneiform Sources from the Land of Israel in Ancient Times, Jerusalem: IES, 2006. ISBN 9652210625
- Houston, Stephen, Baines, John and Cooper, Jerrold [2003], "Last Writing: Script Obsolescence in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Mesoamerica", Comparative Studies in Society and History 45.3 (2003), pp.430-479. html link + abstract pdf
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External links
- the Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative - University of California Los Angeles web site
