Assyrian Cylinder Seal

Artifact Scan(s)

Using symbols to represent words and concepts

By around 8,000 years ago, humans were using symbols to represent words and concepts.  As seen in this Assyrian lapis lazuli cylinder seal from Bablyon, Iraq, cylinder seals were rolled across wet clay tablet to produce raised designs. True forms of writing developed over the next few thousand years.

Assyrian blue Lapis Lazuli Cylinder Seal and Clay Impression beside each other
Assyrian Lapis Lazuli Cylinder Seal and Clay Impression