Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Cuneiform brick; 6th century BCE; 220.14

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleCuneiform brick

About this objectA portion of a clay cuneiform brick, with four lines of writing framed by a border. The tablet has an inscription of the Neo-Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II (604-562 BCE) stamped onto it. The full inscription would have read "Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, Provisioner of the Temple of Esaglia and of the Temple of Ezida, first born son of Nabopolassar, King of Babylon."

Nebuchadnezzar II was the second king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, and son of the founder of the Empire, Nabopolassar. He was the longest reigning king of the period, and is considered to be the greatest. He is known for his military campaigns, his building projects (including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon), and his role in Jewish history.

Date Made6th century BCE

PeriodNeo-Babylonian

Medium and MaterialsClay

TechniqueInscriptions

TechniqueStamps (marks)

Measurements125mm (base), 105mm (top) x 90mm

Subject and Association KeywordsCuneiform inscriptions

Subject and Association KeywordsWriting, history

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Object TypeInformation Artifacts

Object number220.14