Archaeologists unearth a 3,500-year-old shopping list

A remarkable archaeological discovery was made in Turkey, where a team excavating the Accana Mound, also known as Eski Alalah, unearthed a cuneiform tablet dating back to the 15th century BC. This tablet, written in Akkadian, an extinct East Semitic language, contains a detailed shopping list that highlights the purchasing habits of people nearly 3,500 years ago. The list primarily focuses on furniture, indicating a sophisticated level of administrative record-keeping in ancient Anatolia. The tablet, which weighs 28 grams and measures 42mm x 35mm with a thickness of 16mm, was found during restoration efforts following an earthquake that affected the region. Archaeologists believe that this discovery sheds light on the daily lives and economic activities of the people who lived in this ancient city. The list includes various items such as wooden tables, chairs, and stools, along with information about the purchasers and the locations of the transactions. Minister of Culture and Tourism in Turkey, Mehmet Ersoy, emphasized the significance of this find, suggesting it will enhance our understanding of Anatolia's rich heritage. The ongoing study of the tablet by linguists aims to uncover more details about the purchases and the context in which they were made, providing a glimpse into the social and economic structures of the time. This discovery not only highlights the continuity of shopping practices throughout history but also underscores the importance of archaeological work in revealing the complexities of ancient civilizations. As research continues, it is expected that further insights will emerge, enriching our knowledge of the past and its relevance to contemporary society.