Library of Ashurbanipal

Definition

The Library of Ashurbanipal was an ancient collection of texts, primarily cuneiform tablets, assembled during the reign of the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal in the 7th century BCE. This library is significant for its vast assortment of knowledge, including literature, history, and science, which reflects the cultural and intellectual achievements of the Assyrian Empire.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Library of Ashurbanipal contained over 30,000 clay tablets and fragments, making it one of the largest libraries of the ancient world.
2. It included various genres such as myths, epics, religious texts, and administrative documents, showcasing the Assyrians' literary diversity.
3. The library was located in Nineveh, the capital city of the Assyrian Empire, which was a major cultural and administrative center.
4. Ashurbanipal not only collected texts but also commissioned translations and commentaries to ensure that knowledge was preserved and understood.
5. The discovery of the library in the 19th century provided invaluable insights into ancient Mesopotamian civilization, influencing modern understanding of their culture and history.

Review Questions

• How did the Library of Ashurbanipal contribute to our understanding of Assyrian culture and achievements?
  • The Library of Ashurbanipal serves as a crucial source for understanding Assyrian culture by preserving a wealth of literary works and knowledge. It includes texts on religion, literature, law, and science that highlight the intellectual advancements of the Assyrians. The variety of writings found in the library showcases not only their literary achievements but also their administrative practices and beliefs.
• Discuss the significance of cuneiform writing in relation to the Library of Ashurbanipal and its contents.
  • Cuneiform writing was essential for documenting the vast array of texts found in the Library of Ashurbanipal. This writing system allowed for complex ideas to be recorded in a permanent form on clay tablets. The use of cuneiform in this library illustrates how literacy and written communication were pivotal in preserving knowledge and cultural heritage in ancient Mesopotamia.
• Evaluate the impact of Ashurbanipal's collection efforts on future generations' access to ancient knowledge.
  • Ashurbanipal's efforts to collect and preserve texts had a profound impact on future generations by ensuring that significant works from earlier civilizations were not lost. By assembling a diverse library that included translations and commentaries, he facilitated continuity in cultural knowledge that influenced later societies. The discovery and study of this library have shaped our understanding of ancient literature and provided insights into human thought during early civilization.

Related terms

Cuneiform: A system of writing developed by the ancient Sumerians, using wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets, which was used throughout Mesopotamia.

Ashurbanipal: An Assyrian king known for his military conquests and for establishing one of the first libraries in history, significantly contributing to the preservation of Mesopotamian literature.

Epic of Gilgamesh:

An ancient Mesopotamian poem that is among the earliest known works of literary fiction, reflecting themes of heroism, friendship, and mortality.