The Exercise Tablets from Chantier B in Susa Revisited

Abstract

This article is the publication of the thirty-three exercise tablets excavated in Susa, Chantier B by R. Girshman during the winter 1966-67. They originate from four different layers, spanning about 450 years. Most of them are lentils and all of them are the leftovers of elementary scribal education, discarded and found under the floors of houses or in the street. They bear witness to the formation of scribes during this whole period and, in particular, to the use of the well known Silbenalphabet A during most of this period. These tablets had been published formerly in transcription only but new photographs as well as a better understanding of their dating warrants a revised re-publication with copies and photos.