Vol.1. Explanation of Sumerian and Assyrian Tablets, Slabs and seals and Translation of Cuneiform Inscriptions

by Maximillien de Lafayette

A monumental work. The world’s first book of its kind! Conceived and written for the use of universities’ professors, teachers of art history and history of ancient civilzations, as well as for students and researchers in the field. In this most unique book, the author explains the meaning, the message and structure of hundreds upon hundreds of Mesopotamian tablets, slabs, seals, obelisks, and cuneiform inscriptions. It was said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” True, very true! But what if a picture is hard to understand or does not explain what we are looking at? This happens quite often in the vast literature and history of ancient civilizations. Especially, when the inscriptions on or under the pictures or illustrations are written in a language we do not understand, such as Cuneiform, Ugaritic, Akkadian, Sumerian, Phoenician, and similar writing systems of the ancient Middle and Near East. In addition, there are thousands of slabs, cylinder seals, tablets, and obelisks of ancient and/or vanished civilizations, which are hard to decipher. And in many instances, no pertaining inscriptions or texts were ever provided to explain what the statues, figurines, slabs and tablets represent. To fully understand the scriptures, texts, epics and literature of Mesopotamia, Sumer, Assyria, Chaldea, Phoenicia, Ugarit, and the Anunnaki, one must become familiar with the meaning (Hidden or revealed) of the inscriptions, the symbolism camouflaged in intricate details, and the religious-artistic-philosophical nuances of the art of the era. This requires authentic description, translation and explanation • Ancient symbols • Archeological finds • Maps • Seals and Slabs • Cuneiform inscriptions and writings • Statues and figurines • Carving/Illustrations/Drawings • Familiarity with historical sites, ruins, and cities • Linguistic analogies • And a perfect knowledge of the ancient languages and dialects of the ancient civilizations of the Near East, and the Middle East. This book was written in order to deal with and to explain all these concerns, and above all to provide the readers with sufficient guidance, translation and explanation of major archeological finds, ranging from a figurine to a massive monument. The book was written by an expert linguist, who authored several dictionaries of ancient and dead languages. From the • The goddess-angel Lama in a ritual gesture. • El Amarna Letters mentioning Abi-Milki. • Pharaoh Akhenaten. • Abkalu “Apkallu” as Winged Genii/Angels. • King Ashurnasirpal (On the left) being protected from demons and evil forces by Apkallu, his guardian spirit. • A Babylonian/Akkadian Abkalu guardian holding in his hand Lagi-zulum (Spathe of the Male Date-Palm). • Slab from the Northwest Palace of Ashur-nasirpal II at Nimrud, 883-859 B.C, showing the king and his guardian angel, the Apkallu. • Abzu “Apsû” • Enki in the Abzu • Adamu “Adapa”, the sage. • Aguri (Burnt brick) of Busin, King of Ur, dedicated to god Ea. • Illustration of Anum (An, Anu) as chief of the Anunnaki. • Subjects bringing dates (Palm dates/fruits) to Anu. • Seal showing Dumuzi (Tammuz) being captured in the Sumerian Edin and bound by Ugalla the serpent-demon. • Ningishzida • Listing of gods in order of seniority. • Ea.

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2014

Reviews

[Welles Bristol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting outline of ancient gods, titles, religious practices of Sumerians and civilizations to follow. Since I know the Bible I enjoyed the cross references to scripture and the terse but informative correlations with Israelite & Hebrew words & stories. Excellent pictographs that accompany each section.

[Pablo Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy and fast read - enlightening

Great resource. Easy read and good visual introduction to Sumerian culture. Great companion to bible and religion research. Highly recommended.