3,500-Year-Old Tablet Discovered in Turkey

Turkey has announced the discovery of a 3,500-year-old Akkadian cuneiform tablet during excavations at Tell Atchana, or Alalakh, in the Reyhanli district of Hatay province. Dating back to the 15th century BC, the tablet contains detailed records of significant furniture transactions, providing valuable insights into the economic structure and administrative practices of the Late Bronze Age. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Ersoy highlighted that the tablet, weighing 28 grams and measuring 4.2 by 3.5 centimeters, will enhance our understanding of ancient economic systems. This discovery is particularly noteworthy as it emerged from restoration work following the severe earthquakes that struck the region in February 2023. Linguists from Johns Hopkins University are currently analyzing the tablet's inscriptions to decipher its contents further. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing archaeological efforts in Turkey to uncover and preserve its rich historical heritage.