Cuneiform is one of the earliest writing systems in human history. Archaeologists have traced its beginnings to around 3400–3300 BC, more than 5,000 years ago. It also lasted for a remarkably long ...

SAN FRANCISCO — A 200-year-long drought 4,200 years ago may have killed off the ancient Sumerian language, one geologist says. Because no written accounts explicitly mention drought as the reason for ...

There is no more interesting episode in human civilization than our origins, the level of achievements that were just so advanced, and the mystery of how they declined. Nobody has the answers, but ...

Detail of building a in area 1, with room 23 identified as a bitumen workshop. Credit: V. Caruso et al. 2026 / Romano and D'Agostino, 2019 Scientists analyzed 59 samples from the site of Abu Tbeirah, ...

A 200-year-long drought 4,200 years ago may have killed off the ancient Sumerian language, one geologist says. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad ...