Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Cylinder seals were small cylindrical objects carved with intricate designs that were used in ancient Mesopotamia for various purposes, such as marking ownership, sealing documents, or as amulets.
Related terms
Cuneiform Tablets: Clay tablets on which cuneiform writing was inscribed. Cylinder seals were often used to impress their designs onto these tablets.
Gilgamesh: An epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia that tells the story of Gilgamesh, a legendary king who embarks on heroic adventures.
Sargon of Akkad: The first ruler to create an empire in Mesopotamia. He is known for his military campaigns and administrative reforms.