CUNEIFORM

Let's start with the definition of cuneiform.  The noun cuneiform is a primitive form of writing we have found on tablets dating to 5,000 years ago.  Typical of these tablets are those found in the middle east; some done by Sumerians and other similar ones found in  Assyria and Babylonia.  

Three men, in the 19th century, solved the mystery of the cuneiform writings that the world had for hundreds of years muddled over.  It was a great service to history and our understanding of ancient peoples.  The three were; Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson,  Jules Oppert and Edward Hinks.  These three deciphered the cuneiform which many thought would never be accomplished.  Lets discuss the latter of the three since St. Patrick's day is nigh.

Edward Hinks was born in Cork, Ireland at the end of the 18th century (1792).  He was educated by his minister father before attending Trinity College in Dublin.  He won many awards in school and was ordained a cleric following his master's work.  He was to reside in a rectory in County Down the rest of his life.

The Reverend Hinks never intended, early on, to devote himself to deciphering languages.  But, in 1842, some archaeologist friends discovered the ancient city of Nineveh, the capital of  the Assyrian Empire.   In that city they found a library full of tablets etched with cuneiform.  His lot was cast.  He studied what became known as Assyriology the rest of his life.

I often ponder; "Where would the world be without the Irish?"  

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