Sumerian Clay Tablet Recording Livestock Transaction
Sumerian Clay Tablet Recording Livestock Transaction
Place of OriginIraq, Puzriš-Dagan (modern Drehem)
Dateabout 2040 BCE
DimensionsH: 1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm); W: 15/16 in. (2.4 cm); Depth: 1/2 in. (1.2 cm)
MediumClay
ClassificationUtilitarian Objects
Credit LineGift of Carl B. Spitzer
Object number
1932.35
Not on View
DescriptionRectangular clay tablet with cuneiform inscriptions on obverse and reverse.
Well-preserved with clear administrative notation in Sumerian.
Text details the transfer of livestock.
Label TextThis cuneiform tablet, written in Sumerian, is a receipt for the delivery of oxen, issued c. 2040 BCE at Puzriš-Dagan (modern Drehem). The site functioned as a major administrative center for the Ur III state. Dated to the reign of King Amar-Suen, this document highlights the advanced administrative systems of ancient Mesopotamia.Published ReferencesVan der Meiroop, Marc, "Cuneiform Tablets from The Toledo Museum of Art," Revue d'Assyriologie, no. 1, 1985, p. 18, repr. p. 27. “RA 079, 027 20 Artifact Entry.” 2001. Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative (CDLI). December 20, 2001. https://cdli.ucla.edu/P128045. http://bdtns.filol.csic.es/catalogo_directo_new.php?numBDTS=028723 https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/epsd2/P128045
Ur III Period (about 2100-2000 BCE)
about 2040 BCE
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