Languages of Mesopotamia

Sumerian

The Sumerian language was spoken by the people of Sumer, an ancient civilization in Mesopotamia, which is now modern-day Iraq. Sumerian is one of the oldest known languages in the world! It was very different from the languages we speak today. Instead of using an alphabet like we do, the Sumerians used a system of writing called cuneiform, where they made wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. Sumerian had lots of interesting words and sounds that were different from what we're used to. People would learn how to write and speak Sumerian by going to special schools called scribal schools. They would use the Sumerian language to write down important stories, laws, and records of their civilization. Even though Sumerian is no longer spoken today, it played a crucial role in the development of writing and the history of ancient civilizations. 

Akkadian

The Akkadian language was spoken in ancient Mesopotamia, just like Sumerian. It was one of the first languages to be written down and used by people in everyday life. Akkadian was different from Sumerian because it used a different script called cuneiform, which means making wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. Akkadian was widely spoken and understood in Mesopotamia, and it became an important language for trade, diplomacy, and administration. People would learn Akkadian in schools, and it was used for writing down laws, literature, and historical records. It's fascinating to think that thousands of years ago, people in Mesopotamia were using a language like Akkadian to communicate and keep records of their civilization. Although Akkadian is no longer spoken today, it played a significant role in the ancient world and contributed to the development of writing systems and the spread of knowledge. 

Babylonian 

The Babylonian language was a form of Akkadian spoken in the city of Babylon, which was a prominent ancient Mesopotamian city. It was similar to Akkadian but had some distinct features. Babylonian was primarily written using the cuneiform script, which involved making wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. This language was widely used in ancient Babylon for various purposes, including administrative records, legal documents, religious texts, and literature. Babylonian was an important language of communication and played a significant role in the cultural and intellectual life of the Babylonian civilization. Although it is no longer spoken today, the written texts in Babylonian provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and achievements of this ancient civilization. Studying the Babylonian language and its texts helps us understand the rich heritage of Mesopotamia and the contributions of the Babylonians to human history. 

Assyrian

The Assyrian language was spoken in the ancient civilization of Assyria, which was located in the region of Mesopotamia. It was a Semitic language, belonging to the same family as Hebrew, Arabic, and other languages. Assyrian was primarily written using the cuneiform script, which involved making wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. The language was used for various purposes, including writing laws, recording historical events, and communicating with other kingdoms. The Assyrians were known for their military power and their empire, which stretched across different regions. By studying the Assyrian language, historians and archaeologists have been able to learn about the rich history and culture of the Assyrian civilization. Although the Assyrian language is no longer spoken today, the ancient texts written in Assyrian provide important clues and insights into the lives of people who lived thousands of years ago. 

Amorite

The Amorite language was spoken by the Amorites, who were an ancient group of people that lived in Mesopotamia. The Amorites were known for their influence in the region during the Bronze Age. The Amorite language belonged to the Semitic language family, which also includes languages like Hebrew and Arabic. They used a script called cuneiform to write their language, which involved making wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. The Amorites left behind many written records, including legal codes, religious texts, and historical inscriptions. By studying the Amorite language, historians and archaeologists have been able to learn about the culture, customs, and beliefs of the Amorite people. Although the Amorite language is no longer spoken today, its written records provide valuable information about this ancient civilization and their contributions to the history of Mesopotamia. 

Aramaic

Aramaic was a language spoken in ancient Mesopotamia and surrounding regions. It belonged to the Semitic language family, which includes other languages like Hebrew and Arabic. Aramaic was widely used as a lingua franca, which means it was a common language used for communication between different groups of people. It was known for its versatility and was used in various aspects of daily life, such as trade, administration, and literature. Aramaic was written using a script called the Aramaic alphabet, which consisted of characters similar to those in other Semitic scripts. Many important historical documents, religious texts, and inscriptions were written in Aramaic, providing valuable insights into the history and culture of ancient Mesopotamia. While Aramaic is not commonly spoken today, it has left a lasting impact on the development of languages in the Middle East. 

These are just a few examples of the rich history of writing in ancient civilizations. The development of writing systems played a crucial role in the preservation of knowledge, communication, and the advancement of human societies. 

Information compiled in this site come from the following sources; British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institute, Brooklyn Museum of Art, Acropolis Museum, Encyclopedia Britannica, Egypt Time Travel, Journey to Egypt, Getty Institute, Boston Museum of Fine Art 

If you have edits you would like to suggest, please email Michael.Veley@ship.k12.pa.us