This is a fragment from a rectangular clay pillow-shaped writing tablet dating to the Old Babylonian period. Rows of cuneiform scripts are engraved on both sides, transcribing an administrative text. The piece displays some chips consistent with age. Cuneiform writing was one of the earliest forms of writing, developed in the ancient lands of Mesopotamia. Babylonian society was a complex social structure and had a need, as we do today, to record such things as temple acquisitions, land transactions, financial loans, as well as their epic stories and personal letters. They would write these documents and letters on a wet clay tablet, which was then dried. Measurements: Circa L 5cm x W 4.2cm Providence: Ex collection of a deceased gentleman by descent to his family in London and Geneva, collection acquired 1970-1990.