Deciphered cuneiform dating back 3300 years: a stern warning about death.

Deciphering the ancient inscription in Turkey

According to TSN.ua: Archaeologists in Turkey have deciphered an inscription on a tablet dating back approximately 3300 years, found in the ruins of the settlement of Büyüklü Kale. This tablet contains a stern warning about death, confirming the city's ties to the Hittite Empire. The find was discovered during excavations carried out in 2023 near the Kızılırmak River, about 100 km from modern Ankara.

Description of the find

The tablet has a diameter of around 500 meters and was found along with a fragment of a terracotta seal inscribed in cuneiform. According to experts, this seal was used by a king or queen, and it repeats a deadly warning:

“Whoever violates this will die” - unknown source.

This stern official warning indicates the seriousness of the religious and social norms of that time.

Research in this settlement also uncovered Hurrian tablets associated with religious rituals. The city of Büyüklü Kale maintained active ties with Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite Empire. As noted by archaeologist Kimiyaoshi Matsumura, this find strengthens the version that the city may have served as one of the royal residences in the Bronze Age.

This discovery is an important contribution to understanding the cultural and political connections between cities of that time. It confirms that Büyüklü Kale was not only a populated area but also, possibly, an important administrative center, highlighting the role of the Hittite Empire in the region. Researching such artifacts may shed light on social structures, religious practices, and everyday life of people in the Bronze Age.