Archaeologists at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Boğazköy-Hattusa in Turkey have discovered a previously unknown Indo-European language. Hidden within a Hittite ritual text, this language appears to originate from the Kalasma region on the northwestern edge of the Hittite heartland. Although the text remains largely incomprehensible, linguistic analysis suggests it belongs to the Anatolian-Indo-European family and shares more features with Luwian than other known dialects.
- Discovery of a new language within Hittite cuneiform archives
- Identification of the Kalasma region as the likely origin
- Ongoing multidisciplinary research by the DAI and various German universities
- Discovery of a new language within Hittite cuneiform archives
- Identification of the Kalasma region as the likely origin
- Ongoing multidisciplinary research by the DAI and various German universities
Researchers have developed a transportable high-definition X-ray computed tomography scanner named ENCI to read cuneiform tablets sealed within clay envelopes non-destructively. This technology enables scientists to visualize hidden texts, study clay inclusions, and analyze manufacturing methods without opening or damaging the artifacts. The scanner has been successfully deployed in museums to decipher ancient correspondence and investigate the composition of archaeological materials.
- Development of the portable ENCI scanner
- Non-destructive visualization of sealed tablets
- Deciphering of ancient letters and contracts
- Identification of mineral and organic inclusions in clay
- Development of the portable ENCI scanner
- Non-destructive visualization of sealed tablets
- Deciphering of ancient letters and contracts
- Identification of mineral and organic inclusions in clay
The Thesaurus Linguarum Hethaeorum Digitalis (TLHdig) is a digital tool providing online access to Hittite cuneiform texts. Version 0.2 contains over 98% of published sources and offers advanced search capabilities, along with a submission pipeline for new texts.
Archaeologists have discovered hundreds of administrative tablets from the ancient Sumerian city of Girsu, revealing the surprisingly detailed and extensive bureaucracy of the Akkadian empire (2300-2150 BC). These tablets represent the earliest physical evidence of imperial control and provide insight into daily life, governance, and even the roles of women in Mesopotamian society.
The Sumerian language was the first to have a written form around 3500 BCE, using a system called cuneiform. This script evolved over time, and was later used by other languages like Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian.
