Irving Finkel

Irving Finkel, a curator at the British Museum and expert on ancient languages, delves into the secrets of Mesopotamian history. He discusses the origins of cuneiform writing and how it transitioned from pictographs to phonetic representations. Finkel uncovers a Mesopotamian flood narrative predating Noah, sharing details about constructing a replica ark based on ancient instructions. He also explores the significance of everyday texts, the complexities of translating cuneiform, and the cultural impact of ancient games—all while reflecting on the richness of human history.

Irving Finkel, a renowned curator at the British Museum and expert on cuneiform, shares riveting insights about the world's first writing system. He reveals how an ancient clay tablet unearthed details about Noah's ark, igniting controversy with some religious groups. Finkel explains the emergence of writing in Mesopotamia, the deciphering of cuneiform through linguistics, and the fascinating connections between Mesopotamian flood narratives and biblical texts. His account is a captivating blend of archaeology, history, and the complexities of cultural narratives.

Dr Irving Finkel, Senior Assistant Keeper at the British Museum and cuneiform specialist, gives a lively tour of the world’s earliest script. He explains how pictographs on clay evolved into wedge-shaped signs. He traces who used cuneiform, why clay tablets survive, and how numbers and writing shaped ancient administration and learning.

Irving Finkel, a curator at the British Museum and founder of the Great Diary Project, joins novelist and historian Sophie Coulombeau, political journalist Michael Crick, and writer Oliver Burkeman to explore the multifaceted world of diary writing. They discuss the evolution of diaries from Babylon to modern times, emphasizing their emotional significance and historical value. With insights on self-reflection, privacy, and storytelling in the digital age, the conversation highlights how diaries shape personal identity and document broader histories.

Dr. Irving Finkel, a British Museum Assyriologist and author, explains ancient Mesopotamian views on ghosts and precise ritual language. Enid Baxter Ryce, artist and professor living on decommissioned Fort Ord, shares murals, eerie discoveries, and apparent hauntings there. They discuss practical approaches to confronting spirits, ancient exorcism techniques, theatrical ritual comfort, and comparing modern ghost-hunting tools with old methods.