Thin End of the Wedge

Augusta talks about the new excavations at Nippur. What are the goals of the new work, and how does she manage the long history of excavations at the site? What are the long term plans for the site? She reveals the first results, including news about the city walls, a huge Neo-Babylonian villa, and a Parthian cemetery. She reflects on how the archaeological situation has changed since she was a student. And she discusses plans for sharing the results of the work.3:13 why Nippur?5:26 project goals8:11 working around previous excavations12:09 first results15:39 a Neo-Babylonian villa19:40 searching for Ur III22:18 Kassite Nippur24:06 the dig team27:14 Neo-Babylonian graves29:18 challenges35:19 long term plans39:11 publicationMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Tina explains what animal teeth and bones can tell us about life in ancient Iraq. What did people eat? And what did those animals eat? How were flocks and herds managed? What does this tell us about status and economy? We learn what new strands of evidence are provided by scientific analyses. 3:12 about zooarchaeology4:17 state of play7:33 cow teeth and society10:35 why the difference between texts and zooarchaeology?14:43 feeding cattle19:02 animal movement and management26:13 how to get this information32:06 stress in bones37:15 how to learnTina's University pageTina's laboratory pageTina's Academia pageMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Moudhy talks about the different kinds of outreach work she has done. How does she excite interest in material that is very unfamiliar for most people? What works well? She discusses the different audiences and formats, the various approaches and possibilities. 2:18  why Mesopotamia?4:45  attracting interest8:11  overcoming the unfamiliar11:19  reliable history versus pseudo-history13:10  radio and podcasts17:06  scale and detail19:47  different audiences22:03  images23:52  what didn't work25:55  favourite fact27:17  new book33:30  what's next?Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

The Mosul region is the focus of renewed activity by local and foreign teams. Archaeology there inevitably works differently now. Michael and John talk about the Iraq Heritage Stabilization Program, including conservation and reconstruction work, excavation, and capacity building. 2:34Iraq Heritage Stabilization Program3:39 Nimrud and Nineveh8:29why those sites? Who sets the goals?12:56exhibition and online resources13:47conservation and reconstruction18:08long term commitment20:06the dig team22:38latest results from Nimrud31:26kudurru34:46architectural remains37:01inscriptions39:34publication, research, collaboration42:51working in Mosul region45:52engaging communities50:26what's next?https://www.penn.museum/about/press-room/press-releases/preserving-assyriahttps://www.penn.museum/calendar/423/the-deep-digMichael's Academia pageJohn's Academia pageMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Zoltán and Erika introduce us to their exhibition about gods and demons. This exhibition, and the extensive catalogue that accompanies it, are major landmarks in Hungarian assyriology. What is it about, how did it become a reality, and what impact will it have?2:40 the exhibition8:11 key objects10:47 why this topic, and why now?12:56 reaction15:15 preparing an exhibition21:19 about the displays23:19 significance for Hungary24:52 the museum's own collection27:45 favourite objecthttps://www.mfab.hu/exhibitions/kingdom-of-gods-and-demons-mesopotamia-1000-500-bce/Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Christopher discusses new ideas around the murder of King Sennacherib. Who really killed him and why? Was it a coup? Where was Esarhaddon and why wasn't he in Nineveh? [Much of this first section of the episode was published as part of Episode 71.  8:03-10:30 is not found there. And everything from 25:19 is also new] Next he addresses the question of how the kings of this dynasty ran their empire. What does social network analysis reveal about how they coped with information flow? Who was influential and why did that change? 2:09 prize winner3:09 regicide8:04 motives for murder10:21 what's new?15:21 who was involved?19:13 a coup22:24 propaganda25:20 dissertation27:54 how the empire functioned32:30 new power structures36:16 rise and fall of the scholars38:38 why reform?40:42 Ashurbanipal's relationship with scholars(hip)46:10 where tablets were found51:56 interpreting palace reliefsMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

 This is a special episode presenting the prize-winning research of three early career scholars: William McGrath, Alessia Pilloni, and Christopher Jones. What prizes did they win, and what was their research about? We hear about the latest news from Isin II period history, astrology in the Late Babylonian period, and a military coup in the Neo-Assyrian period. 1:24 William McGrath2:10 dissertation6:08 key conclusions9:10 publication plans10:48 what's next?13:45 Alessia Pilloni14:27 horoscopes20:03 star signs22:37 two technical terms identified26:51 wider context29:10 Christopher Jones30:45 whodunnit35:59 new evidence41:54 purge45:48 coup theoryMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

This episode was recorded live at the Rencontre Assyriologique Internationale conference held in Helsinki in July 2024. Simo Parpola reflects on his long and momentous career. He explains how he became an assyriologist, and how he came to focus on the Assyrians. A key collaboration led to one of the most significant projects in assyriological history. What was it like to study large groups of tablets in the days before bulk digitisation? How did they identify so many joins remotely? Simo then discusses what has brought him satisfaction, and offers advice to younger scholars. He also explains what else he has dedicated his time to. 2:19 why assyriology?4:38 why study the Assyrians?7:49 origins of the project12:24 early digital technology13:33 joining fragments17:17 looking back19:04 dream finds20:54 reaction to other projects21:28 finding support for the project23:32 combining traditional and innovative thinkingMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Carolyne introduces us to the study of ancient plant remains, especially carpology--the study of seeds, fruits, and flowers. In her case study she takes us to the site of Logardan in the Kurdish region, and explains what she could learn from the remains found in kilns. We discuss the role and uses of dung.2:02 archaeobotany4:08 how to train5:09 site of Logardan6:37 role of archaeobotany9:47 comparison with results from other fields12:30 main results from Logardan14:00 why use dung?18:28 dung sources and their properties20:37 plants as evidence for pottery production practices23:04 where else are you working?26:18 ideal situation for archaeobotanyCarolyne at OxfordCarolyne's ResearchGate pageCarolyne's Academia pageMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Witold discusses the labour market under Hammurabi of Babylon. What kind of work could you get, and what would you be paid in exchange? Who would be looking for employment, who would take them on, and who held the balance of power? 1:45 how we know about getting a job2:54 who are the job seekers?3:48 how common was it?4:58 what jobs are there beyond harvest time?6:17 what kind of people are working?8:19 how good were conditions?11:12 different jobs for men and women?13:03 do workers replace you or work alongside you?15:22 salary20:04 about beer21:03 alcohol content22:45 balance of power25:13 challenging rogue employers26:39 discipline29:31 child labour33:45 new bookWitold's university pageWitold's Academia pageMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Amy discusses the multi-sensory presence of the queens of Assyria. What was queenly dress and what meaning did each part of it convey? How does the evidence from art compare to what we learn from archaeology? Can we identify personal choice? She also talks about what it's like to wear queenly clothes, and what experimental archaeology can tell us.  2:45 sources for textiles5:13 experimental archaeology6:37 tombs of the queens8:35 art versus archaeology9:50 queenly dress14:28 symbolism17:03 individual choice20:58 burialwear21:54 craftsmen for the queen22:44 smell, sound, and other senses26:40 international dimension28:39 new book30:50 beauty standards34:55 posture37:41 coloursAmy's university pageAmy's Academia pageAmy's personal websiteMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Rune, Seraina, and Gustav discuss their recently completed project on geomapping cuneiform. Where were inscriptions found and where are they now? How many tablets are there? What counts as a tablet anyway? They reveal the challenges of integrating datasets, and explore the potential opened up by knowing where inscriptions really come from. 4:18 GLoW project7:44 data collection10:51 how many tablets are there?13:50 provenance problems17:06 why 'where' matters20:50 what distribution tells us24:20 why this hasn't been done before27:06 integrating databases33:56 what can we do now?GLoW publicationsMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Omar discusses the importance of studying gender as part of assyriology. What are the big themes now, and how did we get here? He focuses on two areas of special interest: masculinity, and eunuchism. What can we expect from the conference on gender  studies (GeMANE) hosted in Malta this April? And what is the context of assyriology in Malta?0:37 Introducing Ellie2:56 the importance of studying gender5:39 current trends8:59 gender beyond only women11:54 masculinities16:21 eunuchs23:58 organising GeMANE27:15 assyriology in Malta29:38 public engagementOmar's AcademiaOmar's university pageGeMANE 6Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

The site of Ur is easily one of the most important in Iraq. In this interview, originally recorded in late 2021, we hear from the person responsible for managing that site. Ali talks about Ur's significance, and its role in local life. What are the plans for the development of this key site? 4:18 introducing Lina7:02 importance of Ur7:34 what tourists can see8:39 information for visitors9:12 what Ur means to Iraqis10:15 excavations11:04 site conservation11:49 future of tourism12:19 cultural activities13:41 the Pope's visit16:42 future projects18:10 website for Ur19:00 how Ali became interested in archaeology20:14 advice for students now22:12 reasons for optimism24:24 closing thoughtsThis interview was originally recorded in September 2021, in Arabic. The interview was conducted by Lina Meerchyad and translated into English by her. The text is spoken by her and Terry Birkett.New website for the site of UrMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Enrique introduces us to a major new resource in digital assyriology: The electronic Babylonian Library. What does it offer and what are its aims? He discusses the issues facing the field and the potential of digital tools, including AI, to help solve them. To what extent can Babylonian literature be reconstructed now, and what we can do with it? 2:08 what is the eBL?4:59 how much Babylonian literature do we have?6:16 the non-literary fragments10:27 why launch now?11:50 what's the reaction / impact?15:05 what's the significance of eBL for your research on literature?18:14 what happens to eBL when the project funding ends? 19:11 how does eBL relate to other digital resources?22:02 impact of AI23:56 long term goalseBL websiteEnrique's university pageEnrique's Academia pageMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

At the Rencontre in Leiden this summer, the IAA awarded its annual prizes celebrating the excellence of early career scholars. There were prizes for the best dissertation, best first article, and a research subsidy. I tracked down the prize winners to ask them about their work.  2:17 Clélia Paladre2:57 thesis on Iranian glyptic4:38 the Proto-Elamite phenomenon6:14 working at the Louvre7:31 Tomoki Kitazumi8:29 translating in the Hittite empire11:45 interpreters in the ancient Near East13:56 German-Japanese interpreters colloquium 16:26 George Heath-Whyte17:02 Neo-Babylonian patterns of life21:05 naming practises project23:31 Annarita Bonfanti24:50 Urartian bowls projectMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Shigeo shares the results of fieldwork at a site that was once a key city on the edges of the Assyrian empire. How do we know which city it was? He describes the key finds, and interprets their significance. What can we learn from a necklet?2:22 Yasin Tepe4:54 goals6:38 identification as Dur-Ashur9:12 results12:44 who lived there?13:44 inscribed necklet of a slave18:49 future work23:20 TsukubaShigeo's Academia Shigeo's ResearchGateMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Susanne pulls back the curtain on how exhibitions are made. She explains how the topic was chosen, and how that vision is translated into reality. How long does it take, how many people are involved, and just what needs to be done?2:17  about Back to School3:27  goals5:37  what's on show?7:16  star pieces10:10  recreating an ancient school11:05  how to display tablets17:06  why school and why now?19:10  return to Nippur and the Nippur Tablet Project23:51  audience testing25:50  how long it takes27:37  what does a curator do?29:33  the wider team38:40  workshops for children41:33  souvenirs for the giftshopSusanne's university pageSusanne's Academia pageSusanne's ResearchGate pageBack to School in Babylonia exhibitionexhibition catalogueThe Adventures of Inanaka and Tuni: Learning to Write in Ancient BabyloniaAugusta McMahon's talk on excavations at NippurThis special exhibition has been curated by Susanne Paulus, with Marta Díaz Herrera, Jane Gordon, Danielle Levy, Madeline Ouimet, Colton G. Siegmund, and Ryan D. Winters and with support from Pallas Eible Hargro, C Mikhail, Carter Rote, and Sarah M. Ware. This exhibition has been organized by the ISAC Museum: Susan Allison, Rob Bain, Denise Browning, Laura D'Alessandro, Anne Flannery, Marc Maillot, Helen McDonald, Kiersten Neumann, Josh Tulisiak, and Alison Whyte, with contributions by Erin Bliss and Judy Radovsky.Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Louise discusses Ishtar, one of the most enigmatic and fascinating deities of the ancient Middle East. What characteristics were assigned to her, and what stories were told about her? What happened when Ishtar met Gilgamesh? Louise also discusses the reception of Ishtar and Gilgamesh. What do people find interesting about them now? She explains how being based in Australia influences her research.1:56 how many Ishtars are there?3:20 male or female?5:11 Ishtar in myths7:38 Ishtar as the archetypal or impossible woman 10:52 Ishtar and the king12:34 popular reactions to Ishtar14:03 hot take on Gilgamesh17:00 Australian context for research19:08 sharing research widely20:12 what's popular about assyriology?23:42 sources for the popular Ishtar26:13 what's new for you?Louise's university pageLouise's book on IshtarLouise's book on GilgameshLouise's book on WindLouise's Academia pageLouise's Instagram: @louloveshistoryMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

This special episode is a follow-up on the big annual conference. I offer some thoughts on what happened, and on how things might be in the future. As part of this, I catch up with three colleagues who have appeared as guests. Two were among the very first guests, who kindly helped me start the podcast. It was a leap in the dark for all of us. Since then, there have been a lot of changes for Gina and Jana. The third is a more recent guest, but someone who will shape our experience at next year's conference. Saana offers her thoughts on this year's topic--inequality--and gives us some hints about what we can expect in Helsinki next summer. 2:14 Jon reflects on RAI Leiden11:02 Gina's thoughts16:15 Jana's thoughts25:14 Saana's thoughtsMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

The organising team of RAI 68 Leiden introduce us to what we can expect from the conference. Why did they pick inequality as a topic? And how do they address inequality in the conference design? What role does live-streaming play in a modern Rencontre?2:03 about RAI 68 Leiden2:52 what's different?3:33 childcare support4:23 why "inequality" as the topic?5:41 live-streaming papers9:37 scheduling papers fairly12:41 building networks16:39 recognising contributions17:35 Leiden's RAI tradition18:44 what else?RAI 68 homepageMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Nicholas explains about imprisonment in ancient Iraq. Were there prisons? Who would be confined, how long for, and why? What would someone do in prison? And whose interest did confinement serve?2:08  confinement in ancient Iraq5:11  were there prisons?7:45  why would you be confined?8:53  for whose benefit?10:01  the religious dimension14:11  sources15:29  life in confinement18:15  labour in confinement19:58  could you tell if someone was imprisoned?21:17  jail terms23:54  the longer historical pictureNicholas's Academia page Nicholas's book on prisons

Agnès discusses the history of the field, and why that matters now. Cast collections were an important part of Spain's early interest in ancient Iraq. How did these collections form? Who was interested? What were they interested in? And why? The history of the field has also impacted how we interpret objects, and how we read ancient texts. What lessons does that teach us? 3:16  why study the history of the field?5:47  what is a cast?7:39  casts in 19th/20th century9:38  cast collections in Spain11:52  Spanish interest in ancient Iraq14:22  how objects were selected18:31  different options for different purposes21:24  impact of historical context23:13  historiography and gender studies28:32  impact in textual studies30:08  opportunities and challenges for us nowAgnès's Academia page Agnès's university page Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Eckart has just published a new history of Assyria. What sources can we draw on? How reliable are they? He talks about Assyria's remarkable royal women and how they were remembered. What did the Assyrians achieve and what is their legacy?3:39 how have we heard of the Assyrians?6:42 biblical and classical texts as sources9:36 what do we need to know about Assyria?12:44 Assyrian royal women18:33 were the Assyrians really 'cruel'?23:44 empathy for the Assyrians25:31 their greatest achievements?28:03 Assyria's legacy32:33 Eckart's approach to history writing35:55 what's new?39:46 unsolved problemsEckart's university pageEckart's AcademiaHis new book is availableUS: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/eckart-frahm/assyria/9781541674400/?lens=basic-booksUK: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/assyria-9781526623812/Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Parsa explains how decision-making took place in ancient Iraq. When you asked the assembly of gods for a yes/no answer to help you solve a difficult problem, how would they agree on what to reply? Why would these answers be time limited? And how would they make their answer visible in the entrails of the sacrificial sheep? 2:35 what is extispicy?6:25 who used it?11:17 how long was a divine answer valid?15:15 consensus decision making19:28 were all gods equal in voting?23:07 did gods each vote in their own organ?25:49 why decide by consensus?29:49 how much weight did an answer carry?Parsa's Academia pageMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

 Birgül explains about her work using microscopic plant remains to understand life in ancient western Asia. What are phytoliths and how do we find them? How can such microscopic evidence tell us about building use, for example? And where do they sit in the archaeological toolkit? 3:12 what are phytoliths?5:14 sampling method8:02 dung11:43 limitations of phytoliths14:07 from the micro-scale to the big picture 16:59 combination with other methods20:59 training26:27 Birgül's projectsBirgül's Academia pageIf you would like to donate in support of the earthquake victims, Birgül suggests the following organisations: Ahbap: https://ahbap.org/Akut: https://www.akut.org.tr/en Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Ali reflects on his long career. How did he become an assyriologist? What are his achievements, and what is his legacy to the next generation? How was his academic career shaped by the twists and turns of political events?1:56 from school to university7:14 student life at Mosul11:12 military service12:39 research assistant15:48 time in the UK25:21 military service again28:07 opening a department33:40 promotion37:55 the ISIL years42:30 after ISIL, heritage46:16 retirementMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Dr Basima talks about her new research on a Late Babylonian economic archive from Shatir. She explains about her teaching, and incorporating tablet handling sessions at the Iraq Museum. 2:03 an Achaemenid archive7:15 confiscated tablets9:53 locating ancient Shatir11:39 publication plans15:00 teaching at Baghdad University21:06 how did Basima become interested?23:51 thoughts about the futureMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

150 years ago, a young George Smith made headlines around the world. He had pieced together an Akkadian version of the Flood story found on fragments of clay tablets. Who was Smith, and why did his discovery have such a dramatic impact? What happened to him next? And what is his legacy?We're joined by guests Sophus Helle, Gareth Brereton, Strahil Panayotov, Enrique Jimenez, Cornelia Wunsch, Mark Weeden, and Pippa Steele.3:23Smith finds a marvel13:46who was Smith?17:06Smith's 1st and 2nd expeditions22:02the fateful 3rd expedition27:43the mysterious Mr Mathewson33:29Carchemish and the Hittites40:25quarantine!42:58to Aleppo by horse51:10a tragic end56:22Mathewson's career58:09Smith's family1:03:10boo, a ghost1:06:50Smith's notebooks1:12:55Egibi tablets1:16:30statue of Kubaba1:21:29deciphering Cypriote syllabic scriptThe sad story of Boscawen can be found in Ruth Horry's “Assyriology at the Margins. The Case of William St. Chad Boscawen (1855–1913)” in IRAQ 77 (2015) pp. 129-142You can read more about the Egibit tablets in Strahil V. Panayotov and Cornelia Wunsch, "New Light on George Smith's Purchase of the Egibi Archive in 1876 from the Nachlass Mathewson", in: Melammu: The Ancient World in an Age of Globalization (2014)Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

150 years ago, a young George Smith made headlines around the world. He had pieced together an Akkadian version of the Flood story found on fragments of clay tablets. Who was Smith, and why did his discovery have such a dramatic impact? What happened to him next? And what is his legacy?We're joined by guests Sophus Helle, Gareth Brereton, Strahil Panayotov, and Enrique Jimenez.2:46Smith finds a marvel10:24who was Smith?14:26the fateful 3rd expedition17:26the mysterious Mr Mathewson20:58Carchemish and the Hittites25:50quarantine!27:44to Aleppo by horse33:50a tragic end38:10Mathewson's career39:35Smith's family and legacy42:33Smith's notebooksThe sad story of Boscawen can be found in Ruth Horry's “Assyriology at the Margins. The Case of William St. Chad Boscawen (1855–1913)” in IRAQ 77 (2015) pp. 129-142 You can read more about the Egibit tablets in Strahil V. Panayotov and Cornelia Wunsch, "New Light on George Smith's Purchase of the Egibi Archive in 1876 from the Nachlass Mathewson", in: Melammu: The Ancient World in an Age of Globalization (2014)Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

How can 3000 years of history, documented by a mountain of sources, be surveyed clearly in a single book? Amanda tells us all about her new history of the ancient Middle East. Why did she use micro-histories? Who among the people in her book made the biggest impacts on her?3:36 why micro-histories?7:46 finding the non-elites11:38 who did Amanda empathise with?13:22 who did she feels sorry for?16:56 who made her laugh?19:40 whose story to tell?21:43 history from limited data26:11 writing a synthesis30:26 why this book?32:52 the author's hopesAmanda's Academia pageAmanda's university pageAmanda's new bookMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Louise introduces us to the fascinating world of Babylonian textiles. How do we know about textiles when almost none survive? What were they made of and what did they look like? Who made them, and who washed them? What would someone's clothing say about them? 2:46 how do we know about textiles?8:02 what materials were clothes made of?11:17 how practical was wool as a material to make clothes from?12:59 who made clothes?15:45 were clothes plain or decorated?18:11 what would someone's clothes say about them?20:43 what clothes would someone have in their cupboard?22:29 who did the laundry?27:11 how fine were fabrics?29:44 what will fabric impressions tell us?Louise's Academia pageLouise's ResearchGate pageLouise's new bookMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Laerke talks about animals in a new way, taking us beyond thinking about animals as sources of products. What was their agency? And how did they influence human behaviour? 6:10 equids not just horses9:50 animal agency12:59 human-horse-dog relations15:36 animal behaviours22:31 potential of animal studiesLaerke's Academia pageLaerke's TwitterLaerke's websiteMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Victor takes a fresh look at tablets as archaeological objects. Where and how are they found, and what does that mean for how we interpret them? Are we reconstructing archives from ancient office bins?5:28 an archaeological approach to archives11:01 in situ or rubbish?15:28 the story of tablets from Tell Sabi Abyad23:55 the story of tablets from Tell Fekheriye27:46 history from office bins35:03 current researchVictor's Academia page: https://ucy.academia.edu/VictorKlinkenbergVictor's ResearchGate page: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Victor-KlinkenbergPalloures:project site: https://palloures.eu/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@palloures Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Sophie reveals the secrets of the votive statues from Mari. How did people choose to represent themselves, and why did they make those choices? Why are the male statues walking? And what do the markings on some them tell us about the life of the statue?4:42 votive statues7:21 Mari votive statues12:43 what did they look like?17:45 how do statues work?22:59 walking statues33:46 women watching from the sidelines?35:47 end of lifeSophie's Academia pageMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Nadia discusses her work on the Iraqi antiquities market of the late 19th and early 20th century. She focuses on two remarkable figures from the trade. Ibrahim Gejou was perhaps the most significant dealer used by European and American collectors. Ferida Antone Shamas is less well-known, but still a fascinating character. Who were they? What was their role in the trade? And what was their motivation?3:24 the network: Ibrahim, Ferida and Budge10:51 the letters, and Svoboda's diaries15:10 Ferida21:28 Ibrahim26:09 relations between Ferida and Ibrahim28:39 Nadia's inspirationMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Julian looks back over his career. He explains how he developed his interests, and his unusual path into the field. He discusses some key moments: from the excavations at Nimrud, to discoveries in museum collections, and his own excavations at Tell Taya. Who influenced him? What does he think about how things are done? Plus news of his latest work. 3:03 approach to history5:30 origins of interest8:25 archaeological experience13:58 community in Baghdad17:44 PhD life20:43 first job26:26 on the Nimrud excavations33:25 Tell Taya37:12 museum discoveries44:49 displaying Assyrian sculptureMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

 Farouk offers his personal story. He describes his family background, his early life, and details of his career. He explains how he became interested in ancient Iraq, and the many people who influenced and helped him develop his career. We learn about life in Iraq during the 20th century, and how political changes affected one man's journey. 3:14 introduction. Rawa6:33 family background15:01 interest in history19:36 after graduation27:33 early career34:51 student life37:40 teachers41:31 PhD46:05 return to Iraq51:17 discovery of the Sippar temple library58:40 trouble in Baghdad1:00:05 Suleimaniyah Museum1:06:02 thoughts about the futureMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_podPatreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Davide recently returned from a season of work at Tell Surghul in southern Iraq. He discusses the site and his team's work there. How did they choose the site and what did they want to achieve there, and what are their results so far? Why is excavation important anyway? He explains what an archaeological team looks like today, what they do, and what happens once the excavations are over. He also offers his thoughts on current discussions around how foreign teams should work in Iraq. 2:53 Tell Surghul7:13 choosing a site9:17 project goals13:25 results so far16:49 the excavation team20:07 a typical day25:47 why excavation?31:11 conservation/preservation35:38 making the future betterDavide's university pageDavide's Academia pageDavide's TwitterThe 10-point list of suggestions for decolonising excavations permitsMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_pod Patreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Saana introduces us to the Centre of Excellence in Helsinki. She explains the new tools her team is developing to help us understand the meaning of Akkadian words. How can they help cuneiform specialists? And how can they make cuneiform resources more accessible to other specialists?3:45 The Centre of Excellence6:38 team goals11:44 what digital Akkadian tools can do19:50 why two tools?23:23 sources and consequences26:29 what might the future hold?ANEE: https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/projects/centre-of-excellence-in-ancient-near-eastern-empiresSaana's university pageFear in Akkadian pdfMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_pod Patreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

History isn't just about great men. Tonia introduces us to the complicated family life of King Shulgi. Who were his wives? Did they live in a 'harem'? How did he control his empire while managing the ambitions of his many sons?2:43 the Ur III period and king Shulgi5:47 Shulgi's family9:19 Shulgi's children13:01 Shulgi's motivation14:37 the 'harem'17:47 the court21:35 agency of the wives25:56 impact of Shulgi becoming a god27:32 royal deaths Tonia's university pageTonia's Academia pageTonia's email: tonia.sharlach [at] okstate.eduMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_pod Patreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Tim introduces us to a dynasty that ruled over Babylonia during one of the periods of its greatest influence. Where did they come from? What were their achievements? And what is their legacy?  2:29 who were the Kassites?4:57 where did they come from?9:20 Kassite achievements18:04 characteristic Kassite material culture23:13 where to see Kassite objects24:57 where to find out more28:49 Tim's own researchTim's Academia pageMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_pod Patreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Amir al-Zubaidi is Director of Nasiriyah Museum, and now SBAH Director of Archaeology for Dhi Qar province. He introduces us to Nasiriyah Museum, and discusses both his achievements so far and his dreams for the future. What interests the people of Nasiriyah, and what role does heritage play in civic life there? This is the first in an experimental mini-series where we hear the thoughts of colleagues who are doing important work in Iraq. Yet while their work may be well known in Iraq itself, few in the UK or the wider western world know anything about it. This may be partly because of the nature of the specialist's position, or the low level of Arabic language skills in the west. With the help of interpreter Zainab Mizyidawi, Amir was interviewed in Arabic and the results have been translated into English. This episode was made possible through the generous support of the London Centre for the Ancient Near East. 4:31 Nasiriyah Museum9:39 visitors11:42 audience engagement15:55 goals19:59 what interests people21:07 role of heritage in Nasiriyah 23:20 role of foreign teams24:40 life as director of archaeology 29:49 priorities and challenges30:55 hopesMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_pod Patreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

The abundance of records from Babylonia between the 6th and the 4th century BC shows us how justice functioned. Why was the trial process so intimidating? How could you avoid it? And what happened if you couldn't?3:05 how we know5:01 where crime happened7:58 motives9:35 white collar crime11:01 law enforcement15:53 trials18:07 judges22:28 where courts met23:49 access to justice26:01 trials32:38 torture34:29 an eye for an eye?Małgorzata 's Academia page Małgorzata's ResearchGate pageMałgorzata's book at Zaphon pressMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_pod Patreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Tiffany introduces us to Urartu, Assyria's great neighbour and rival. What can we learn from its network of fortresses? And how can deep maps and digital storytelling help us engage people with our work?3:48 Urartu and the Urartians9:36 Vayots Dzor Fortress Landscapes Project 12:56 the fortress network15:16 fire beacon stations18:42 digital storytelling20:50 deep maps23:16 community engagementMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_pod Patreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

It's back to school season. So it's story time. In this special episode, we hear the stories of how our guests became interested in the ancient Middle East.  

András discusses the medical conditions that showed themselves through heat of some kind. 'Heat' could affect many different body parts, for various reasons. Which medicinal ingredients were used to cure 'heat' and why? András also gives an introduction to his latest work on 'glosses' in medical texts, and what the broader significance of the different types is. 2:51 about Mesopotamian medicine5:19 fever in the ancient texts9:52 how to catch a fever12:08 how to cure a fever20:57 why lizards? 22:03 strange ingredients23:12 glosses in medical textsAndrás' university page: https://btk.ppke.hu/en/academics/institutes-and-departments/institute-of-history/department-of-ancient-history/faculty/andras-bacskayAndrás' Academia page: https://ppke.academia.edu/Andr%C3%A1sB%C3%A1cskayAndrás' ResearchGate page: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andras-BacskayMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_pod Patreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Stefania introduces us to one of the dominant figures of early assyriology--Austen Henry Layard. She guides us through the archival sources that put his famous publications in context, and reveal the man behind the legend. 3:03 Why was Layard famous?5:34 Why study Layard?7:50 Layard's cuneiform skills 9:24 The sources and what we learn from them15:08 Are the archives everything or just a selection?16:42 Do the archives agree with his publications?18:48 Stefania's publicationsStefania's Academia Stefania's university page Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_pod Patreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

Elynn introduces the historical geography of the Neo-Elamite kingdom. What do we know about the borderlands and their role in Assyrian-Elamite relations? Why don't we know where so many places are, and why is that so significant? 2:32 who were “the Elamites”?5:24 the Elamite language, writing, and texts 7:33 about the Elamite kingdom 10:21 relations with Elam's neighbours11:50 the borderlands and Elamite-Assyrian relations15:36 on Elamite identity 16:28 where are the places mentioned in the texts?21:16 about the harbours25:16 matching up names with sites on the groundMusic by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_pod Patreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod

While the pandemic keeps us apart, colleagues are working hard to find ways to organise virtual conferences. The 67th RAI is hosted by Turin this July. Elena Devecchi and Stefano de Martino explain what to expect this year, and what it means to Turin to host a RAI now. Walther Sallaberger explains the IAA's role in coordinating the RAIs. 

Sophus explains the most famous piece of literature from ancient Iraq: the Epic of Gilgamesh. He guides us through the many meanings that have been found in it, from antiquity to the present day. Why does it fascinate us, and what can it offer us?2:21 about the Gilgamesh Epic6:38 what Gilgamesh meant in antiquity9:39 meanings in the modern world15:51 what Gilgamesh has meant for Iraqis in particular22:21 Sophus's new book, and a reading from his translationhttps://sophushelle.com/Music by Ruba HillawiWebsite: http://wedgepod.orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSM7ZlAAgOXv4fbTDRyrWgwEmail: wedgepod@gmail.comTwitter: @wedge_pod Patreon: http://Patreon.com/WedgePod