Henry Rawlinson

Henry Rawlinson was a 19th-century British scholar and soldier known for his pioneering work in deciphering ancient cuneiform script on Mesopotamian tablets. His efforts, especially his work on the Behistun Inscription, enabled historians to understand the languages of ancient Persia and Mesopotamia. By carefully comparing inscriptions in multiple languages, Rawlinson unlocked key to translating these early writings, greatly advancing the study of ancient history and archaeology. His contributions laid the foundation for modern Assyriology and our understanding of early civilizations in the Middle East.