Assurbanipal Library

The Assurbanipal Library, located in ancient Nineveh (modern-day Iraq), was a vast collection of clay tablets compiled during the 7th century BCE under King Assurbanipal. It is one of the earliest known libraries, containing thousands of texts on topics such as literature, science, medicine, and law. These tablets provide invaluable insights into Mesopotamian civilization, including the famous Epic of Gilgamesh. The library's discovery in the 19th century significantly advanced our understanding of ancient history, language, and culture. It exemplifies early efforts to systematically preserve knowledge and reflects the sophisticated intellectual life of the Assyrian Empire.