I · THE OBJECT · BRITISH MUSEUM
Cylinder of Nabonidus
▶ Listen · narrated
It is hard to imagine how a king's decree was once written on clay in Mesopotamia and preserved for two millennia, providing a window into the past.
At a glance
- Inception
- 7th century BC
- Material
- Clay
- Collection
- British Museum
Look closer
A royal decree
This cylinder is an archaeological artefact inscribed with cuneiform, the wedge-shaped script of ancient Mesopotamia. It bears a royal decree.
Surface detail
The surface of the clay cylinder is covered in intricate cuneiform writing. This is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication required to produce such a detailed inscription.
Cylindrical shape
The cylindrical form allowed for continuous text, wrapping around from top to bottom. This layout optimised the use of space on what is essentially a scroll-like surface
The story
This clay cylinder was inscribed by King Nabonidus who ruled over Babylonia (556-539 BC). It dates back to the 7th century BC, and was one of several known inscriptions made during his reign. The cylinder is part of a collection in the British Museum.
Cuneiform script was created using reeds pressed into wet clay to form wedge-shaped marks. Scribes used these instruments on tablets or cylinders which were then left out to dry and harden. This writing system allowed the scribes to record information on durable materials, making it an ideal medium for official communications and decrees.
The Cylinder of Nabonidus itself is one of several clay inscriptions discovered at various ancient Mesopotamian sites. These artefacts are not just historical records but also cultural and linguistic artifacts from a civilisation that dates back thousands of years ago.
The cylinder was created by skilled scribes who had mastered the art of cuneiform writing. They were highly trained individuals responsible for documenting important royal decrees and official communications. Their meticulous work ensured that these artefacts remained valuable historical records.
It is inscribed with a decree that conveys significant information about Nabonidus' reign, as well as the broader political and social dynamics of his empire. The cylinder’s inscription provides insights into how rulers like Nabonidus communicated their policies to subjects across vast distances.
The fact that it has survived for over two millennia is testament both to its durability and importance in preserving history.
Why it mattered then
In its own moment, it served as a means for kings to communicate their policies and decrees. This form of writing allowed rulers like Nabonidus to convey important information and directives to their subjects, ensuring that his word reached far and wide across his empire.
Why it matters now
Today, the Cylinder of Nabonidus provides valuable insights into ancient Mesopotamian culture, language, and governance. By examining this artefact, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of how cuneiform was used in various contexts and how it evolved over time. It is a tangible link to the past, offering a glimpse into the political and social dynamics of an ancient civilisation.
The surprising detail
The Cylinder of Nabonidus likely originated from the royal palace or temple archives where important decrees were recorded. It must have been crafted by skilled scribes who had mastered the art of cuneiform writing.
How it got here
The Cylinder of Nabonidus reached the British Museum as part of the collection acquired through archaeological expeditions and acquisitions over centuries, including many objects from Mesopotamia.
Remember this
It reveals how ancient rulers communicated their policies to a vast empire.
Test yourself
Why does this specific cylinder matter among others like it?
While several cylinders bear Nabonidus' inscriptions, this one is housed in the British Museum's collection and has survived as a valuable historical record of an ancient civilisation.
Go deeper
Image: Zunkir, CC BY-SA 4.0. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source.