Ancient DMs

The episode opens with Roman Mars discussing the abundance of historical sources available for the 21st century, especially in comparison to previous centuries. With technological platforms like YouTube uploading vast amounts of content every hour and Wikipedia hosting millions of articles, future historians will have ample resources. In contrast, the late middle ages and ancient times have far fewer surviving documents, particularly the mundane aspects of daily life that historians seek.

Producer Joe Rosenberg introduces the story of a remarkable archaeological find: a vast collection of ancient clay tablets unearthed in Nineveh, modern-day Northern Iraq. Dating back 2,500 years to the Assyrian Empire, these tablets revealed invaluable insights into ancient civilization that had been previously shrouded in mystery. The significance of this collection is highlighted by Lisa Wilhelmé, emphasizing that it serves as a rare window into the Assyrian society, its literature, and everyday administrative life.

As the discussion unfolds, listeners learn that the library discovered within Nineveh not only contained historical and literary works but also everyday correspondence, granting intimate glimpses into royal life. These documents illustrate the personal concerns of King Esarhaddon, showcasing his anxieties and superstitions through his communication with advisors about omens and royal decisions, revealing a king depicted very differently from his public image.

Continuing the narrative, the podcast contrasts the characters of Kings Esarhaddon and his son Ashurbanipal. While Esarhaddon was indecisive and plagued by paranoia, Ashurbanipal is portrayed as literate and intellectually curious, resulting in a conscious effort to expand the royal library. The collection reflects both his philosophical inquiries and the grand scope of Assyrian authority, revealing deeper aspects of leadership and governance.

The conversation shifts to the preservation of this literary treasure trove. The fall of Nineveh and the cataclysm it faced ironically aided in preserving these documents. The destruction and subsequent burying of clay tablets in the rubble allowed them to be fired and hardened, essentially turning into terracotta, which ensured their survival for millennia. This fortunate turn of events is paralleled to the preservation of Pompeii, where catastrophes can sometimes keep history intact.

Finally, Joe and Roman discuss the role of Assyriologists like Lisa Wilhelmé, who methodically piece together and interpret ancient texts despite numerous gaps and challenges. The dialogue reveals the complexities of ancient writing and the realization that while many fragments may exist, not all records are complete, and there is always hope for future discoveries that could further illuminate the past.