Collection of Ancient Oriental Studies

The collection of Mesopotamic cuneiform texts, which was only founded after World War II, covers the entire range of Ancient Near Eastern script development from the third to the first millenium BCE. Over this long period of time, the gradual changes in the characters can be traced. The texts allow an insight into different types of ancient Near Eastern writing, such as charters, letters, lexical texts, and royal inscriptions. Objects of small art, such as original seals and replicas of ancient oriental sculptures and relief art, complete the collection. A medal commemorates Georg Friedrich Grotefend (1775-1853), one of the early pioneers of Ancient Near Eastern studies and the first decipherer of the cuneiform script.

To the collection in the eMuseum (selection)

Highlights of the Collection

This letter in which the businessman Niginakia and his associate named Qishti-Erra are mentioned dates from ancient Babylonian times (17th century BC)
Fragment of an originally two-column inscription by the king Siniddinam of Larsa. King Siniddinam (1777–1771 BC) is also mentioned in the inscription.
Fragment of an official document from the age of Uruk III (around 3000 BC)

Visit museum

Opening hours

Wed to Sun from 10am to 5pm
Thurs from 10am to 7pm

Tours

“Sundays at 3” all year round
Group and school tours by appointment

Book tour

Tel: 07071-2977579

Curator

Administration
Prof. Dr. Wiebke Meinhold
Tel: 07071 - 2976758

Send email

Prof. Dr. Andreas Fuchs
Tel: 07071 - 2977148

Send email

Admission

Adults: 5€
Reduced: 3€ (children, pupils, students, pensioners, severely disabled people)
Family ticket: 12€
Students of Tübingen: Free of charge

Address

Collection of Ancient Oriental Studies | Museum Ancient Cultures
Burgsteige 11 | Hohentübingen Castle
72070 Tübingen