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The image is a newspaper clipping from February 20, 1930, titled "Nuzi Excavation Map Tablet." It details the discovery of an ancient map tablet by Harvard excavators in the ruins of the ancient city of Nuzi, near Babylon. Key points from the article include:

1. Discovery of the Map Tablet:

   • The oldest known map in the world, dating back over 4000 years, was found on a clay tablet measuring three by two and five-eighths inches.
   • The tablet was discovered in the ruins of Nuzi, near Kirkuk, Iraq, about 200 miles north of Babylon.
   • The map was found in a layer of earth about 20 feet underground, indicating it is from a very early period.

2. Details of the Map:

   • The map is so small it can be held in the hollow of the hand.
   • It shows the location of a treasure, believed to be gold, buried 20 or more feet underground.
   • The map includes symbolical compass markings, with three of the four points of the compass marked on the borders of the tablet.

3. Historical Significance:

   • The map is believed to be from the Sumerian and Akkadian eras, which were part of the ancient state of Nineveh of Biblical fame.
   • The city of Nuzi was inhabited by the Hurrians, a people of unknown race who lived in the region around 1500 B.C.
   • The map was found near the "eternal flames," a site of religious significance, possibly the original Fiery Furnace of the Bible.

4. Excavation Efforts:

   • The excavation was led by Dr. Edward Chiera of the University of Pennsylvania and the American Schools of Oriental Research, in collaboration with Harvard and the Fogg Museums.
   • The map was found in a garden belonging to a man of great wealth, Jun, and was discovered in a clay pot.

5. Additional Findings:

   • The excavation also uncovered a palace and an ancient temple, revealing the great wealth and sophistication of the ancient civilization.
   • The map tablet is considered a significant archaeological find, providing insights into the early history of Mesopotamia.

The article highlights the importance of the discovery in understanding the ancient history and culture of the region.

The image is a page from a newspaper article titled "Harvard Excavation Map Tablet" from February 20, 1930, focusing on the discovery of the oldest known map in the world near Babylon. The article is from the Crimson, likely a Harvard University publication.

Here's a detailed summary:

Title and Context:

• The headline states that Harvard excavators found an ancient clay tablet containing a map in ruins near Babylon, throwing light on Mesopotamian history.
• The map is dated approximately 2900 B.C.

Key Points:

1. Map Discovery:

   • The map is drawn on a clay tablet from the ruins of the ancient city of Nuzi, dated to around 2900 B.C.
   • It's the oldest map in the world and is described as an Assyrian map of the city of Ashur.

2. Geographical and Historical Significance:

   • The map reveals Nuzi's location in the region known as Shat-Azala, which is part of the larger territory of the Sumerian and Akkadian languages.
   • The map depicts the layout of Nuzi, including a temple and a palace, and shows the river's path and the city's boundaries.

3. Expedition Details:

   • The excavation was conducted by Harvard’s Fogg Art Museum under the direction of R. F. S. Starr.
   • The team uncovered the map while working in the ruins of Nuzi, near modern-day Kirkuk, Iraq.

4. Historical Context and Symbols:

   • The map has symbolic compass markings, and the territory is divided into three streams.
   • Nuzi's temple and palace are depicted in detail, suggesting the map's utility for planning and navigation.

5. Importance and Implications:

   • The map provides a unique insight into the ancient Mesopotamian city's layout and its cultural significance.
   • The discovery helps to understand the early history and geography of Mesopotamia.

Additional Notes:

• The map was found in a clay tablet with a small hole, allowing it to be safely removed from the ancient site.
• The discovery was part of an ongoing archaeological expedition aimed at exploring and understanding ancient sites in Iraq.

The article is rich with details about the historical context, geographical significance, and the specific findings of the Harvard expedition.

NUZI EXCAVATION MAP TABLET

Release by News Office

Harvard Excavators Find Miniature Map in Ruins of Ancient City Near Babylon—Throws Light on Mesopotamian History

The oldest map in the world, drawn more than 4000 years ago, on a clay tablet three by two and five-eighths inches, is the unique find of excavators from the Semitic and Egyptian Museums of Harvard University, under the direction of Dr. F. S. Starr, Fellow of the Fogg Art Museum, at the site of ancient Nuzi in Iraq, 20 miles from the present bed of the Tigris. The map, it is said, is that of the city of Nuzi, which flourished about 2000 B.C.

When the map was found, it was almost indistinguishable from the clay on which it was drawn. It required five weeks of painstaking work to separate the map from the clay. The map shows the layout of the city of Nuzi, with its streets, houses, and temples. It is a valuable source for understanding the urban planning and social structure of the ancient city.

Harvard Excavators Unearth Oldest Map in World on Site of Ancient City in Iraq—Has Symbolic Compass Markings

(Continued from page one)

The map is not only the oldest, but also the most detailed. It shows the city of Nuzi, which was located on the main trade route between Babylon and Assur. The map is drawn to a scale of 1:100 and shows the city walls, temples, palaces, and houses. It also includes a system of canals and irrigation ditches, indicating the importance of water management in the city’s infrastructure.

The discovery of the map has been hailed as a significant find by archaeologists. It provides a unique insight into the urban planning and daily life of the ancient Mesopotamians. The map will be further studied and analyzed to uncover more details about the city of Nuzi and its inhabitants.

OLD MAP DRAWN 4000 YEARS AGO DUG UP AT NUZI

Harvard Expedition Tells of Results of Excavations at Iraq

Digging beneath the ruins of Nuzi, an ancient city of Mesopotamia, the Harvard University expedition has uncovered the oldest known map of the world. The map, drawn on a small clay tablet, shows the layout of the city of Nuzi, which was inhabited about 4000 years ago.

The work has been discontinued so that the results may be prepared for analysis and publication. The map, according to Dr. Starr, “one may find grand remains of the once great Arab Empire, the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Sumerians. Hardly any other site in the world offers such a wealth of material for the study of ancient cultures. The map of Nuzi is a unique find that will help us understand the urban planning and social structure of the ancient city.”

The site of Nuzi, located in modern Iraq, was once a thriving city with a rich history. The excavations at Nuzi have uncovered many important artifacts, including cuneiform tablets, jewelry, and pottery. The map is one of the most significant finds, as it provides a detailed layout of the city, which can be used to understand its urban planning and infrastructure.

Five Weeks of Drying

The map, which is about the size of a postcard, was found in the ruins of a house. It was in such a fragile condition that it took five weeks to separate it from the clay. The map shows the city walls, temples, palaces, and houses, as well as a system of canals and irrigation ditches. It is a valuable source for understanding the urban planning and social structure of the ancient city.

The map is now being studied and analyzed to uncover more details about the city of Nuzi and its inhabitants. It is expected that the map will provide valuable insights into the daily life and culture of the ancient Mesopotamians.

Palace Excavated

The great palace and an extensive system of drainage channels were also uncovered. The palace, which was the residence of the local governor, was richly decorated with wall paintings and sculptures. The drainage system, which was essential for the city’s infrastructure, shows the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Mesopotamians.

The excavations at Nuzi have uncovered a wealth of artifacts and structures that provide valuable insights into the daily life and culture of the ancient city. The map is one of the most significant finds, as it provides a detailed layout of the city, which can be used to understand its urban planning and infrastructure.

A remarkable find

The discovery of the map has been hailed as a significant find by archaeologists. It is the oldest known map of the world and provides a unique insight into the urban planning and daily life of the ancient Mesopotamians. The map will be further studied and analyzed to uncover more details about the city of Nuzi and its inhabitants.

The excavations at Nuzi have been ongoing for several years and have uncovered many important artifacts and structures. The map is one of the most significant finds, as it provides a detailed layout of the city, which can be used to understand its urban planning and infrastructure. The map is expected to provide valuable insights into the daily life and culture of the ancient Mesopotamians.

The image is a newspaper article from the Harvard Crimson, dated February 20, reporting on the discovery of an ancient map by the Harvard Excavators at the site of the ancient city of Nuzi, near Babylon in modern-day Iraq. Here are the key points detailed in the article:

Headline:

• "Harvard Excavators Find Miniature Map in Ruins of Ancient City Near Babylon—Throws Light on Mesopotamian History"
• "Old Map Drawn 4000 Years Ago Dug Up at Nuzi"

Discovery Details:

• The map, considered the oldest in the world, dates back more than 4000 years.
• It was found on a clay tablet, about the size of a hand, in the ruins of Nuzi.
• The map depicts the layout of a city near modern-day Kirkuk, including houses of Gueda, the temple, and the city gates.
• The map features symbolic compass markings and a river running north to south, dividing the city into three streams.

Description of the Map:

• The tablet is engraved with a plan showing the city, including the temple of Ishtar-Azaria.
• The map includes several buildings and a river, identified as the "River of Water."
• It also shows a road leading northward from the city, marked with footprints indicating travel routes.

Historical Context:

• The city depicted on the map is likely more than 4000 years old, dating to around 2000 B.C.
• The Nuzi excavations, directed by Dr. R. F. S. Starr of Harvard’s Fogg Art Museum, have uncovered significant historical and cultural artifacts.
• The map was found near a fireplace in a house in Nuzi, suggesting it was preserved by being baked in a fire.

Significance:

• The map provides valuable insights into ancient Mesopotamian urban planning and geography.
• It reveals the sophisticated understanding of cartography by ancient civilizations.
• The discovery offers a glimpse into the daily life, architecture, and administrative organization of the city's inhabitants.

Additional Findings:

• Excavators also uncovered ruins of the original city of Nuzi, including houses, temples, and other structures.
• The site has yielded numerous tablets that detail various aspects of life, such as legal codes, economic records, and religious texts.

Conclusion:

• The article underscores the historical significance of the map, highlighting its role in enhancing the understanding of ancient Mesopotamian civilizations and their advancements in cartography and urban planning.

This discovery by the Harvard team marks a significant contribution to the archaeological and historical records of ancient Mesopotamia.

The image contains a newspaper clipping from the Crimson, dated February 20, 1954. The headline reads "Harvard Excavators Find Miniature Map in Ruins of Ancient City Near Babylon—Throws Light on Mesopotamian History."

Key details include:

1. Discovery of the Oldest Map:

   • The map is approximately 4,000 years old, drawn on a clay tablet.
   • It is found in the ruins of the ancient city of Nuzi, near the modern town of Kirkuk, Iraq.
   • The map depicts the city of Gu-dea, which is believed to be the same as the biblical city of Ga-sur.

2. Excavation Details:

   • The excavation was led by Dr. Robert P. Starr from Harvard University's Semitic and Egyptian Museums.
   • The clay tablet was found in a hole in the ground, surrounded by other archaeological artifacts.
   • The tablet is about 20 feet underground and was found in the courtyard of a temple.

3. Map Characteristics:

   • The map is about 566 yards square, representing the city of Nuzi.
   • It includes a river running through the city, with the river valley depicted in a characteristic Babylonian style.
   • The map has symbolic compass markings, indicating directions.

4. Significance of the Find:

   • The map is the oldest known map of its kind and provides insights into the ancient Mesopotamian culture.
   • It helps to understand the layout of ancient cities and their architectural features.
   • The discovery is significant for historians and archaeologists studying early Mesopotamian history.

5. Additional Information:

   • The excavation site is part of the Assyrian Empire, which was one of the earliest civilizations.
   • The tablet is believed to be around 2,500 years old, with a date of approximately 2,000 B.C.
   • The map includes the names of the city and its surrounding regions, providing geographical insights.

6. Five Weeks of Drying:

   • The tablet required careful drying and baking to prevent it from cracking.

The clipping emphasizes the importance of the discovery in understanding ancient Mesopotamian history and geography, particularly the layout and significance of the city of Nuzi.

The image is a news article from February 20, 1930, detailing the discovery of the world's oldest known map by Harvard University archaeologists at the site of Nuzi, near Babylon in Iraq. The map, drawn on a clay tablet about 4000 years ago, was found in the ruins of an ancient city and is notable for its size, approximately three by five-eighths inches, and its age.

Key points from the article include:

1. Discovery Details:

   • The map was discovered by Dr. R. F. S. Starr and his team from Harvard University.
   • It was found in the ruins of an ancient city called Nuzi, which is situated near the location of the original Fiery Furnace of the Bible and Koran.
   • The tablet was found near the remains of a temple and part of a palace, indicating its historical and cultural significance.

2. Map Description:

   • The map is a miniature representation of the city of Nuzi, including the river Tigris, and surrounding areas.
   • It is believed to be the oldest map in the world, predating other known maps by several centuries.
   • The map includes a symbolic compass marking, with the four points of the compass marked on the tablet.

3. Historical Context:

   • Nuzi is described as an ancient city that was once a major center of the Akkadian and Sumerian cultures.
   • The city was known for its wealth and the advanced state of its civilization.
   • The map provides insight into the layout of the city and its surroundings, including the Tigris river and its tributaries.

4. Archaeological Significance:

   • The discovery sheds light on the early history of Mesopotamia and the cultural practices of the region.
   • The map and other artifacts found at Nuzi are considered to be of great historical value.
   • The site is noted for its rich archaeological finds, including tablets, pottery, and other artifacts from different periods.

5. Excavation Efforts:

   • The excavation was carried out by the Semitic and Fog Art Museums of Harvard University.
   • The team has been working at Nuzi for several years, uncovering a wealth of historical and archaeological data.

The article emphasizes the importance of the discovery and its contribution to the understanding of ancient Mesopotamian history.

The image shows a piece of paper with two newspaper clippings and a typed title. The title at the top center reads "NUZI EXCAVATION MAP TABLET." with a note underneath stating "Release by News Office." There are handwritten notes including the date "Feb. 6" in the upper left corner and "Monitor Feb. 20." in the upper right corner.

The larger newspaper clipping on the left is titled "Harvard Excavators Find Miniature Map in Ruins of Ancient City Near Babylon—Throws Light on Mesopotamian History." The article discusses the discovery of the oldest map in the world, drawn approximately 4000 years ago on a clay tablet, found by Harvard University excavators at the site of ancient Nuzi near Kirkuk, Iraq. The article covers the map's significance, its depiction of the city and surrounding territories, and the symbolic markings thought to represent various features.

The newspaper clipping on the right is titled "OLD MAP DRAWN 4000 YEARS AGO DUG UP AT NUZI" with a subtitle "Harvard Expedition Tells of Results of Excavations at Irak." This article describes the excavation of the ancient city Nuzi near Kirkuk, Iraq, by Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania. It details the specifics of the map, its breakage and repair, and mentions a palace that was excavated nearby. It also discusses the historical and archaeological importance of the findings.

Overall, the image documents a significant archaeological discovery of an ancient map dating back 4000 years found at Nuzi, near Babylon/Iraq, with detailed reporting from the excavation team and scholars involved.

The image is of a scrapbook page featuring newspaper clippings related to archaeological discoveries. The articles discuss the excavation of an ancient city near Babylon and the unearthing of what is claimed to be the oldest map in the world, drawn approximately 4000 years ago. The clippings detail the significance of this discovery, providing insights into Mesopotamian history and mapping practices. The Harvard University team involved in the excavation reports the map depicting various geographical features and its potential use for symbolic compass markings. Handwritten titles at the top read "Nuzi Excavation Map Tablet" and "Release by News Office. Monitor. Feb. 20." The page includes multiple articles, with titles such as "Harvard Excavators Find Miniature Map in Ruins of Ancient City Near Babylon—Throws Light on Mesopotamian History" and "OLD MAP DRAWN 4000 YEARS AGO DUG UP AT NUZI." The clippings appear to be roughly organized and some feature photographs or drawings related to the excavation site.

This image shows a typed document with some handwritten notes, overlaid with the title "NUZI EXCAVATION MAP TABLET." The document appears to be a newspaper clipping from the "Crimson," released by a 'News Office' and dated Monday, February 20. The heading mentions "Harvard Excavators Find Miniature Map in Ruins of Ancient City Near Babylon—Throws Light on Mesopotamian History OLD MAP DRAWN 4000 YEARS AGO DUG UP AT NUZI."

The article recounts the discovery of what is described as the oldest map in the world, drawn approximately 4,000 years ago, on a clay tablet. It describes details about the excavation led by Harvard University at the site of Nuzi, near Babylon. Findings from the dig included items from two different cultures and information about the layout of the ancient city of Nuzi. The article also discusses the historical significance of the find, including symbolic compass markings linked to Assyrian and Babylonian cultures. It mentions that further study of the map could provide insights into the local geography and historical trade routes of the region.

In addition to the main body of text, there is a continuation of the article from a previous page, which further details the archaeological findings and the significance of the Nuzi map tablet to the understanding of ancient Near Eastern civilizations.

The handwritten notes appear to be library reference annotations, possibly indicating the categorization or filing information for this clipping in a collection or archive.

The image is a scanned page from a newspaper or publication titled "NUZI EXCAVATION MAP TABLET", dated February 20, 1936, and released by the News Office. The page is divided into two main sections, each discussing archaeological discoveries made by Harvard excavators at the ancient city of Nuzi, located near Babylon. Here is a detailed description:

Header Information:

• Title: "NUZI EXCAVATION MAP TABLET"
• Subtitle: "Release by News Office"
• Date: February 20, 1936
• Classification: "Crimson Monitor"

Main Articles:

Article 1: "Harvard Excavators Find Miniature Map in Ruins of Ancient City Near Babylon—Throws Light on Mesopotamian History"

• Headline: Discusses the discovery of the oldest map in the world, dating back approximately 4,000 years ago.
• Details:
  • The map was found on a clay tablet at the site of Nuzi, an ancient city located about 200 miles north of Babylon.
  • The map is described as unique and fascinating, showing the layout of the city, including streets, buildings, and landmarks.
  • It is noted that the map is more than 20 feet underground, indicating its depth and preservation.
  • The map depicts four points of the compass, marked on the borders, and includes symbols representing the temple and city walls.
  • The map is believed to be the oldest known map in the world, surpassing other ancient maps found at sites like Gassor and Nippur.
  • The discovery provides new insights into Mesopotamian history, particularly the layout and organization of ancient cities.

Article 2: "Harvard Excavators Unearth Oldest Map in World on Site of Ancient City in Iraq—Has Symbolical Compass Markings"

• Headline: Focuses on the oldest map ever found, discovered at the site of Nuzi in Iraq.
• Details:
  • The map is dated to approximately 2500 B.C., making it the oldest known map in the world.
  • It is described as a miniature map drawn on a clay tablet, measuring three by two and five-eighths inches.
  • The map includes symbolical compass markings, with four points of the compass indicated on its borders.
  • The map shows symbolic representations of the city, including streets, buildings, and landmarks, such as the temple and city walls.
  • The map also features symbols representing the temple of the god Shamash, indicating its importance in the city's layout.
  • The discovery is significant for understanding the early history of Mesopotamian cities, their organization, and the cultural practices of the time.

Additional Text:

• Side Column: On the right side of the page, there is a smaller article titled "OLD MAP DRAWN 4000 YEARS AGO DUG UP AT NUZI", which summarizes the discovery and its historical significance.
  • It reiterates that the map is the oldest in the world, drawn approximately 4,000 years ago.
  • The map was found during excavations at Nuzi, an ancient city in Mesopotamia.
  • The article mentions that the map was discovered by Harvard University archaeologists and is now housed in the Fogg Art Museum.
  • The map provides valuable insights into the early history of Mesopotamian cities and their urban planning.

Visual Elements:

• The page is formatted with typed text, typical of newspaper articles from the 1930s.
• There are no images or illustrations accompanying the text, only the written content.
• The layout is clean and organized, with clear headings and subheadings to guide the reader.

Key Themes:

• Archaeological Discovery: The page emphasizes the significance of the map as a historical artifact that sheds light on ancient Mesopotamian civilization.
• Historical Context: The articles provide context about the age, location, and cultural importance of the map.
• Scientific Value: The discovery is highlighted as a breakthrough in understanding ancient urban planning and the early history of Mesopotamia.

Overall Impression:

The page is a well-documented account of a major archaeological find, showcasing the oldest known map in the world and its implications for understanding ancient Mesopotamian society. The articles are informative and emphasize the historical and cultural significance of the discovery.