Cracking Ancient Codes: Cuneiform Writing - with Irving Finkel

If you liked this talk then there's more Irving on the internet! Check out the British Museum's channel, we really liked this video on ancient demons - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOT75GB64Hw

The internet humbly requests more Irving Finkel.

This man looks exactly like how I imagine a man who cracks ancient codes would look like

I studied Sumerian and Akkadian in the late 80's for 4 years for a Master's in History (yes I said 4 years not 2). I would usually spend about 10-12 hours a day 6 days a week studying. It's a very difficult language, especially when you are learning it to understand the history of the Sumerians. Do not regret it at all. Did not become a professional historian (as the pay is terrible), and went on to get other degrees and a different profession, but now that I am close to retirement I am thinking about digging out all my transliterations and books and doing some research to publish a paper or two. The Sumerian language is more understood now then when I went through school.

A modest genius. The ultimate grandfather. The human being we strive to be. I salute you from Africa sir. May your years be long , healthy and blessed.

"The shift from pictographic use to writing sounds was the only real giant leap man has ever made apart from the development of the Electric Guitar." ― Irving Finkel, intellectual, prophet, sage and rockstar

I'm exceedingly grateful for the Royal Institute providing these lectures to the general public to see and to learn from; Thank you.

This man is fantastic. Engaging, precise, full of humour - a superb presentation.

Best lecture I’ve seen in a while. I openly laughed in a empty room by myself and learned at the same time. Please bring this man back for more.

21:07 "So, the interesting thing is... I won't dwell on this melodramatic matter in case sensitive people feel faint, but when you start learning Sumerian, the business of leaping off a high building head-first onto the concrete is massively appealing on a daily basis". HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

"This is the most insulting and babylike map I could find" I love this guy so much

I had one instructor in all my college classes that was very like Irving Finkel. We never got bored in class and because of his delivery, we very rarely forgot the subject matter covered in any of his presentations. Being entertained augments memory for many people and I remember him because I was thoroughly entertained by the presentations I sat through. Awesome presenter. I would have taken every class Irving Finkel offered up had he instructed at my school.

I had a close friend in high school German class. Life took us in different directions and we met years later and learned we had both been in fraternities in college. We started sending each other notes, letters and later emails using the Greek alphabet phonetically spelling out simple German vocabulary. Nobody ever figured out our code. I still like to use Greek letters when I write down clues to remember passwords online.

Irving is like the great uncle / grandfather / neighbor / professor / mentor I wish I had.

The kind of professor one hopes for and seldom is blessed with.

This man is an awesome educator! As an Egyptian, I find his subtle digs against Ancient Egypt hilarious :)

"This crusty and unappetizing looking individual" is my favorite description of a person ever

He is hilarious, why isn't he more famous?

One time I saw him sitting on a bench casually reading a book in Hebrew. He's a madlad and a total legend!

I can't imagine the patience and dedication it took to figure out the meaning of each of this symbols. I'm so glad someone did this, however, since so many benefit from this knowledge.