Library of Ashurbanipal (apr 24, 660 BC – aug 8, 612 BC)
Description:
The Library of Ashurbanipal is the oldest surviving library (and first of its size) of over 30,000 cuneiform tablets. It is where we get most of our knowledge of this time period, including the Epic of Gilgamesh (Wiseman, “Ashurbanipal”).The violent fall of the Assyrian empire may have contributed to the preservation of the library. Ironically, by deserting the city, the Persians allowed this great library to persist.
Added to timeline:
Date:
apr 24, 660 BC
aug 8, 612 BC
~ 47 years