Clay Tablet with Envelope

Clay Tablet with Envelope

The cuneiform script, like our own alphabet, was used to write many different languages. This cuneiform tablet, written in Akkadian, is inscribed on both sides and all four edges with text recording the outcome of a legal case involving two men, each of whom claimed to own the same piece of land. The judges ruled in favor of the man who provided written statements (supporting his claim) from residents of nine neighboring towns. Two court officials rolled their cylinder seals across the front of the clay tablet after it was inscribed, guaranteeing that the information it contained was correct. Cylinder seals were also rolled across the front of the clay envelope in which the tablet was originally contained. On the envelope is written the name of the scribe, Urhi-Teshup.