Cuneiform Texts Envelopes

الملخص

Perhaps one of the most prominent unique techniques invented by the scribes of Mesopotamia is the clay envelopes that cover the cuneiform texts, which were considered at that time one of the most important means of preventing forgery, in addition to their use in preserving texts .
In this research, we will discuss the first beginnings of the use of covers and their prevalence throughout the ages, in addition to listing their names in dictionaries or as they were described in light of other cuneiform texts. In order to understand how they are made, we presented some practical experiments by scientists on how to prepare and form them and compare the results with the original models supported by pictures.
As for their importance, we have indicated three main functions performed by covers, including as a means of protecting texts from damage during storage or transport, or to ensure the confidentiality of what is inside them, or as a means of proving legal arguments and preserving rights. We will also present the most prominent contents covered by the covers and the most important information recorded on them. We will attach a special paragraph to the research on the role of modern technology using the optical scanner to read texts inside the covers without the need to break them, and we will conclude the research with the most important results we have reached.