3,500-Year-Old shopping List Unearthed in Turkey Reveals Ancient Furniture Purchases
Ankara,Turkey – A remarkable archaeological discovery at the Accana Mound,known as Eski Alalah,has revealed a cuneiform tablet containing a shopping list dating back nearly 3,500 years. The find, announced by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism, offers a rare glimpse into the daily economic life of the ancient world.
The tablet, dating to the 15th century BC, is inscribed with Akkadian, an extinct eastern Semitic language.Cuneiform, meaning “wedge-shaped,” is one of the oldest known writing systems and was used for administrative, business, and literary purposes. According to Heritage Daily, the tablet details the purchase of furniture – specifically wooden tables, chairs, and seating – along with records of the buyer and the furniture’s origin.
The incredibly small tablet weighs just 28 grams and measures 42 x 35 mm with a thickness of 16 mm. Linguists are currently deciphering the full details of the transactions recorded.
“We believe that this table will provide a new view of the rich heritage of Anatolia for future generations,” stated Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet ersoy.
This discovery confirms that even millennia ago, peopel engaged in commonplace activities like creating shopping lists. More importantly, it provides valuable insight into the economic and administrative practices of the ancient city of Alalah and offers a tangible connection to the daily lives of those who lived there. The find underscores how familiar aspects of modern life have roots in ancient civilizations.
