Ancient Graffiti
Ur, Iraq  2002

      This is an example of Sumerian writing that is carved into the building blocks of the walls and footpaths of the Ziggurat. It is one of the earliest known forms of written communication and is based on a pictographic system that communicates spoken words and concepts through signs and symbols. This system of writing provides the basis for the development of written human communication. Our alphabetic writing system had it’s origins here in ancient Mesopotamia.

       Are these Sumerian writings a message of: hope; cosmic musings; important events; a great epic like the Gilgamesh; or recordings of everyday life? What could it tell us about the cradle of civilization? What could it tell us about ourselves and our common humanity?

CSpaulding
January 2003