This unique and wide-ranging course provides a broad introduction to the three major languages of the Ancient NearEast, which together traverse a vast history of four millennia. In them were written some of the great landmarks of worldliterature, such as the Babylonian epic of Gilgamesh, the Egyptian Book of the Dead and the Sumerian Descent ofInanna.
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Each term we will focus on one of the three languages, looking at basic grammar, morphology and syntax: thecourse will also provide students with an initiation into reading their scripts (cuneiform and hieroglyphics). In thisthird part we will primarily focus on Egyptian.
What will we cover?
Although the course is primarily one of language instruction, we will touch more broadly on themes of Ancient NearEastern history and culture.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Read simple cuneiform and hieroglyphics; understand how to use sign lists in reading; understand general rules ofsyntax and sentence structure; command a limited set of vocabulary in all three languages.
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, isexpected.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Classroom contact involving deciphering and translating from each language will be complemented with betweenone to two hours per week of homework.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All study materials will be provided by the tutor.
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.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/languages-of-the-ancient-near-east-part-32991653Languages of the Ancient Near East part 3https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/ancient-civiliations-city-lit.jpg159159GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations22851177119111921228511771191<p>This unique and wide-ranging course provides a broad introduction to the three major languages of the Ancient NearEast, which together traverse a vast history of four millennia. In them were written some of the great landmarks of worldliterature, such as the Babylonian epic of Gilgamesh, the Egyptian Book of the Dead and the Sumerian Descent ofInanna.</p>002991593Languages of the Ancient Near East part 3159159https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/ancient-civiliations-city-lit.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2026-05-02T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersMay 2026Culture, history & humanitiesRN167159159Languages of the Ancient Near East part 3127103159Vaughan Pilikianlanguages-of-the-ancient-near-east-part-3/rn167-2526<p>This unique and wide-ranging course provides a broad introduction to the three major languages of the Ancient NearEast, which together traverse a vast history of four millennia. In them were written some of the great landmarks of worldliterature, such as the Babylonian epic of Gilgamesh, the Egyptian Book of the Dead and the Sumerian Descent ofInanna.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-02 00:00:00<p>Each term we will focus on one of the three languages, looking at basic grammar, morphology and syntax: thecourse will also provide students with an initiation into reading their scripts (cuneiform and hieroglyphics). In thisthird part we will primarily focus on Egyptian.</p><p>This unique and wide-ranging course provides a broad introduction to the three major languages of the Ancient NearEast, which together traverse a vast history of four millennia. In them were written some of the great landmarks of worldliterature, such as the Babylonian epic of Gilgamesh, the Egyptian Book of the Dead and the Sumerian Descent ofInanna.</p><p>Although the course is primarily one of language instruction, we will touch more broadly on themes of Ancient NearEastern history and culture.</p><p>Read simple cuneiform and hieroglyphics; understand how to use sign lists in reading; understand general rules ofsyntax and sentence structure; command a limited set of vocabulary in all three languages.</p><p>The course is intended for complete beginners: no previous knowledge of foreign languages, ancient or modern, isexpected.</p><p>Classroom contact involving deciphering and translating from each language will be complemented with betweenone to two hours per week of homework.</p><p>All study materials will be provided by the tutor.</p><p>Sumerian level 1</p>Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsvirtual127159103RN167NONESat02/05/26 - 20/06/2616:00 - 17:3016:0017:308 sessions (over 8 weeks)85-10 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetVaughan PilikianBeginnersAvailable courses2026-05-02T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Culture, history & humanities159159Languages of the Ancient Near East part 3languages-of-the-ancient-near-east-part-3/rn167-2526<p>This unique and wide-ranging course provides a broad introduction to the three major languages of the Ancient NearEast, which together traverse a vast history of four millennia. In them were written some of the great landmarks of worldliterature, such as the Babylonian epic of Gilgamesh, the Egyptian Book of the Dead and the Sumerian Descent ofInanna.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-02 00:00:00<p>Each term we will focus on one of the three languages, looking at basic grammar, morphology and syntax: thecourse will also provide students with an initiation into reading their scripts (cuneiform and hieroglyphics). In thisthird part we will primarily focus on Egyptian.</p><p>This unique and wide-ranging course provides a broad introduction to the three major languages of the Ancient NearEast, which together traverse a vast history of four millennia. In them were written some of the great landmarks of worldliterature, such as the Babylonian epic of Gilgamesh, the Egyptian Book of the Dead and the Sumerian Descent ofInanna.</p><p>Although the course is primarily one of language instruction, we will touch more broadly on themes of Ancient NearEastern history and culture.</p><p>Read simple cuneiform and hieroglyphics; understand how to use sign lists in reading; understand general rules ofsyntax and sentence structure; command a limited set of vocabulary in all three languages.</p><p>The course is intended for complete beginners: no previous knowledge of foreign languages, ancient or modern, isexpected.</p><p>Classroom contact involving deciphering and translating from each language will be complemented with betweenone to two hours per week of homework.</p><p>All study materials will be provided by the tutor.</p><p>Sumerian level 1</p>Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsconfigurable
11921191Ancient civilisationshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/ancient-civilisations/ancient-civilisations-11/2/285/1177/1191/11921/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations
