School Days Text

School Days Text

The cuneiform script, like our own alphabet, was used to write many different languages. This cuneiform tablet, written in Sumerian, contains a copy of a tale known today as "School Days," which recounts the experiences of a young scribe. While his days are filled with the tedious work of studying cuneiform and the harsh punishment of being hit by a stick (or cane), the scribe is fortunate in that his father decides to bribe the teacher with various gifts, including clothing and a ring. The gifts seem to do the trick, for the scribe finds himself in the teacher's good graces.

Inscription

"Schoolboy, where did you go from earliest days?"
"I went to school."
"What did you do in school?"
"I read my tablet, ate my lunch, prepared my tablet, wrote it, finished it...
Upon the school's dismissal, I went home,
Entered the house, there was my father sitting."
/ He who was in charge of drawing said, "Why, when I was not here did you stand up?"
Caned me.
He who was in charge of the gate said, "Why, when I was not here did you go out?"
Caned me.
He who was in charge of the Sumerian said, "You spoke... "
Caned me.

Collected by

Joint Nippur Expedition
Excavated by The Oriental Institute 1951-1952