A Primer of Assyriology

Name: A Primer of Assyriology
Author: A. H. Sayce

By A. H. Sayce

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Archaeology & Anthropology History - Ancient

About This Book

A concise survey of Mesopotamian civilization that examines the geography, peoples, languages, and material resources of Babylonia and Assyria. It explains the archaeological discoveries and the methods used to decipher cuneiform inscriptions, then traces political development from independent city-states to larger imperial structures. Religious systems and ritual practice are analyzed, with attention to major deities, temple institutions, cosmology, and beliefs about the afterlife. Literary and scientific output is summarized, covering libraries, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, law, and epic traditions such as creation and flood narratives. Social and economic organization is described through contracts, family law, taxation, slavery, and bureaucracy, with appendices supplying measures and king lists.

About the Author

A. H. Sayce

A. H. Sayce was a prominent British Assyriologist and linguist known for his extensive contributions to the understanding of ancient Near Eastern cultures. His works, such as "A Primer of Assyriology" and "Assyria," reflect his deep engagement with the languages and histories of ancient civilizations, particularly the Assyrians and Babylonians. Sayce's scholarship also explored the connections between these ancient societies and the early history of the Hebrews, as seen in his book "Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations." His research has significantly influenced the field of archaeology and the study of ancient texts, making him a key figure in the academic exploration of ancient Mesopotamia.