The study of these writings has always been very important, as it is now certain that they also influenced the emergence of other forms of communication in antiquity and other neighboring civilizations. It can be defined as a sort of interpretive capstone of these and other Mesopotamian cultures.
In that sense, this find recovered in the Red Sea areas is really very important. But where exactly are we? And what is it about?
An artifact from the time of King Nabonides
The surprising discovery comes from afar, exactly in the region of Ha’il, formerly known as Fadak. Capital of the province of Najd, Saudi Arabia and one of the most important administrative and commercial centers in the country. A place of very ancient origins, in the past a real center of commercial and agricultural activities.
Of course an area very rich in history and culture and indeed several historical artefacts have been recovered over the years and the site of the ancient fortress of Qishlah.
The surprising discovery in Arabia – Viaggi.nanopress.it
to show up this time a petroglyph. It’s a basalt stone. Not just any petroglyph, but Depicting the mysterious ruler Nabonidus or Nabonides, believed to be the last king of Babylon.
According to the first analyses, it can be traced back to the sixth century BC. dated and heard, it could also be the longest cuneiform text. Well it seems it counts 26 lines! From the narrations of the experts, it is clear that Nabonidus can be immediately identified with a scepter, and then symbols indicating the sun, a serpent, even the crescent moon, clear references to the Mesopotamian deities.
Qishlah Fortress – travel.nanopress.it
Possibly references to Shamash, Ishatar and Sin. The figure of Nabonidus is one of the ones that most interests scholars because it is still shrouded in a thick veil of mystery. We know that he lived from 556 to 539 BC. and that thanks to him several areas of Saudi Arabia were conquered. It is unclear what happened when he named his son Belshazzar as his successor. In fact, from that moment on, the sovereign seems to have retired to ancient Tayma.
Maybe in exile? And if so, for what reason? Historians believe he may have been the victim of a coup d’état because of his religious policies. This and many other events in the king’s life are still the subject of speculation. So in this perspective The discovery of the petroglyph could be a game changer: Hopefully it will reveal more details about Nabonides, but also about this ancient and fascinating civilization that still has much to reveal about its history.