This year-long course is an introduction to Akkadian, the oldest attested Semitic language, in which were written the epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Atrahasis.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
The aim of the course is to provide a solid introduction to the Akkadian language and the cuneiform script in which it is written.
What will we cover?
During the year we will focus on building an understanding of the grammar and syntax of Akkadian, as well as a working vocabulary. We will start to read the cuneiform script from the outset. Although this is primarily a language course, we will also cover more general topics in Mespotamian history and culture.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
recognise and read a set of signs in the cuneiform script;
translate basic sentences from Akkadian to English;
render your own Akkadian versions of English sentences;
enjoy a good basic knowledge of the principles of Akkadian grammar;
command a good working vocabulary of Akkadian words.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is intended for complete beginners: no previous knowledge of foreign languages, ancient or modern, is expected. The completion of the introductory course Languages of the Ancient Near East will be an advantage, but it is not essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Classroom contact involving translating into and from Akkadian will be complemented with between one to two hours per week of homework.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Textbook: Huehnergard, A Grammar of Akkadian (2011, available from tutor as pdf).
Vaughan Pilikian is an artist, writer and teacher. He has degrees in Classics, Sanskrit and Assyriology.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/akkadian-1-module-13072544Akkadian 1: module 1https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/latin-2-mod-3-rl495-1024.jpg239239GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Languages/Courses/Languages/Ancient languages/Courses/Languages/Ancient languages/Ancient Near East228512801504137651228512801504<p>This year-long course is an introduction to Akkadian, the oldest attested Semitic language, in which were written the epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Atrahasis.</p>003072538Akkadian 1: module 1239239https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/latin-2-mod-3-rl495-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2026-10-03T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersOct 2026LanguagesRN114239239Akkadian 1: module 1191155239Vaughan Pilikianakkadian-1-module-1/rn114-2627<p>This year-long course is an introduction to Akkadian, the oldest attested Semitic language, in which were written the epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Atrahasis.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-03 00:00:00<p>The aim of the course is to provide a solid introduction to the Akkadian language and the cuneiform script in which it is written.</p><p>This year-long course is an introduction to Akkadian, the oldest attested Semitic language, in which were written the epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Atrahasis.</p><p>During the year we will focus on building an understanding of the grammar and syntax of Akkadian, as well as a working vocabulary. We will start to read the cuneiform script from the outset. Although this is primarily a language course, we will also cover more general topics in Mespotamian history and culture.</p><ul><li>recognise and read a set of signs in the cuneiform script;</li><li>translate basic sentences from Akkadian to English;</li><li>render your own Akkadian versions of English sentences;</li><li>enjoy a good basic knowledge of the principles of Akkadian grammar;</li><li>command a good working vocabulary of Akkadian words.</li></ul><p>The course is intended for complete beginners: no previous knowledge of foreign languages, ancient or modern, is expected. The completion of the introductory course Languages of the Ancient Near East will be an advantage, but it is not essential.</p><p>Classroom contact involving translating into and from Akkadian will be complemented with between one to two hours per week of homework.</p><p>Textbook: Huehnergard,<em> A Grammar of Akkadian</em> (2011, available from tutor as pdf).</p><p>You can advance to the next module in Akkadian.</p>Ancient languagesAncient Near Eastvirtual191239155RN114NONESat03/10/26 - 05/12/2611:30 - 13:0011:3013:0010 sessions (over 10 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetVaughan PilikianBeginnersAvailable courses2026-10-03T00:00:00+00:00Oct 2026Languages239239Akkadian 1: module 1akkadian-1-module-1/rn114-2627<p>This year-long course is an introduction to Akkadian, the oldest attested Semitic language, in which were written the epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Atrahasis.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-03 00:00:00<p>The aim of the course is to provide a solid introduction to the Akkadian language and the cuneiform script in which it is written.</p><p>This year-long course is an introduction to Akkadian, the oldest attested Semitic language, in which were written the epic of Gilgamesh and the story of Atrahasis.</p><p>During the year we will focus on building an understanding of the grammar and syntax of Akkadian, as well as a working vocabulary. We will start to read the cuneiform script from the outset. Although this is primarily a language course, we will also cover more general topics in Mespotamian history and culture.</p><ul><li>recognise and read a set of signs in the cuneiform script;</li><li>translate basic sentences from Akkadian to English;</li><li>render your own Akkadian versions of English sentences;</li><li>enjoy a good basic knowledge of the principles of Akkadian grammar;</li><li>command a good working vocabulary of Akkadian words.</li></ul><p>The course is intended for complete beginners: no previous knowledge of foreign languages, ancient or modern, is expected. The completion of the introductory course Languages of the Ancient Near East will be an advantage, but it is not essential.</p><p>Classroom contact involving translating into and from Akkadian will be complemented with between one to two hours per week of homework.</p><p>Textbook: Huehnergard,<em> A Grammar of Akkadian</em> (2011, available from tutor as pdf).</p><p>You can advance to the next module in Akkadian.</p>Ancient languagesAncient Near Eastconfigurable
137651504Ancient Near Easthttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/languages/classical-languages/ancient-near-east1/2/285/1280/1504/137651/Courses/Languages/Ancient languages/Ancient Near East
