Cuneiform tablet: letter
Flag of IranAncient Near Eastern ArtClay-Tablets-Inscribedca. 7th–4th century B.C.

Cuneiform tablet: letter is a clay-tablets-inscribed of Babylonian or Achaemenid origin created in ca. 7th–4th century B.C. using clay measuring 4.9 x 3 x 1.7 cm (1 7/8 x 1 1/8 x 5/8 in.) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumClay
Dimensions4.9 x 3 x 1.7 cm (1 7/8 x 1 1/8 x 5/8 in.)
ClassificationClay-Tablets-Inscribed
DepartmentAncient Near Eastern Art
Credit LineGift of Matilda W. Bruce, 1907
Dateca. 7th–4th century B.C.

Historical Context

Culture & Period

This work belongs to the Babylonian or Achaemenid culture, dating from the Neo-Babylonian or Achaemenid period. The estimated date range is 700 BC – 300 BC.

Geography

Origin: Mesopotamia. Flag of Iran

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Cuneiform tablet: letter?

Cuneiform tablet: letter is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Cuneiform tablet: letter created?

Cuneiform tablet: letter dates to ca. 7th–4th century B.C..

What material is Cuneiform tablet: letter made from?

Cuneiform tablet: letter is crafted from clay.

Is Cuneiform tablet: letter in the public domain?

Cuneiform tablet: letter is in the public domain and can be freely used.

Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026

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