The Library of Ashurbanipal, named after the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal who ruled from 668 to 627 BCE, holds the distinction of being the oldest known library in the world. This ancient treasure trove was located in Nineveh, the Assyrian capital, which is in modern-day Mosul, Iraq. It was not a library in the modern sense but rather an archive of state, containing a vast collection of texts that ranged from religious incantations to scholarly treaties.
What makes the Library of Ashurbanipal particularly significant is its comprehensive collection of cuneiform tablets made from clay, which has provided a wealth of information about ancient Mesopotamian culture, language, and history. The library’s contents cover a diverse range of subjects including literature, law, science, and astrology, reflecting the scholarly and religious pursuits of the time.
Among the library's most famous holdings is the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known works of literary fiction. The survival of this epic, which chronicles the adventures of a legendary Sumerian king, is primarily attributed to its inclusion in Ashurbanipal’s collection. The tablets provide not only mythical narratives but also glimpses into the societal, political, and religious thoughts of early civilization.
The discovery of the library in the mid-19th century by archaeologist Austen Henry Layard marked a significant milestone in the field of Assyriology and ancient studies. The texts found within the library have been instrumental in decoding the ancient language of Akkadian and understanding Assyrian culture. More importantly, these tablets highlight the value that the ancient Assyrians placed on the preservation of knowledge.
The library’s advanced cataloging system, with tablets organized according to subject matter, showcases the early human endeavor towards organizing and preserving knowledge. Ashurbanipal himself was known for his drive to assimilate knowledge, sending scholars throughout his empire to gather texts. This royal initiative underscored the importance of learning and record-keeping to the Assyrians and has left a lasting legacy on the cultural and historical landscape of the ancient Near East. Today, the remnants of Ashurbanipal's library offer critical insights into ancient human civilization, emphasizing the enduring human quest for knowledge and understanding.