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Hexham Book Festival Hexham Book Festival

Selena Wisnom – The Library of Ancient Wisdom

  • Sunday 4 May, 11am
  • Tickets From £8.50
  • Hexham Library
Selina

The story of the ancient world’s most spectacular library, and the civilization that created it.

When a team of Victorian archaeologists dug into a grassy hill in Iraq, they chanced upon the library of the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal, seventh century BCE ruler of Mesopotamia. Buried for millennia the unearthed tablets were written in cuneiform, the first written language in the world.  

Assyriologist Selena Wisnom takes us on an immersive tour of this extraordinary library, bringing ancient Mesopotamia - home to advanced mathematics, astronomy and banking, law and literature - and its people to life. Through it, we encounter a world of astonishing richness, complexity and sophistication. 

Concession prices: available to Friends of the Festival, those on benefits and students.

Carers qualify for free ‘essential companion’ tickets. Wheelchair spaces are limited. Please book for both directly at the Queen’s Hall Box Office.

To read Hexham Book Festival’s privacy policy, click here. 

Book a table and receive 10% off dining at The Beaumont Hotel on presentation of your ticket.

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