Manufacturing Technology: Firing as an Integral Component in the Production of Cuneiform Tablets from the Amarna Archive

Abstract

This article explores the technological processes involved in the production of the Amarna tablets, focusing on firing temperatures associated with these cuneiform artefacts. Building on the extensive research conducted by Goren, Finkelstein and Naʾaman (2004), it examines the interplay of geographical origins, individual scribes and firing practices, offering insights into the manufacturing processes. Through several case studies, such as the Babylonian and Rib-Hadda’s Byblos letters, it demonstrates how firing temperatures were influenced by geographical and/or historical context, with Byblos scribes adapting to local practices. This study underscores the significance of firing in the production of cuneiform production, shedding light upon ancient cuneiform manufacturing methods and scribal traditions.