Jon Taylor
jonjtaylor.bsky.social
Jon Taylor
@jonjtaylor.bsky.social
Cuneiformist. History of ancient western Asia. Likely to post on assyriology and museums. Hoping to be distracted by dogs, cows, running, zombies. Curator of cuneiform & cylinder seals at British Museum. Host of Thin End of the Wedge podcast. Views my own.
August 11, 2025 at 8:41 AM
We were just walking, but it does look very relaxing
June 16, 2025 at 5:43 PM
A little Sunday timeline cleanse
June 15, 2025 at 6:19 PM
key finds include an inscribed doorway slab of King Ashurnasirpal, and a stone monument carved with designs representing the gods
March 13, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Thin End of the Wedge episode 74 is out: Michael Danti and John MacGinnis talk about Nimrud: post-conflict archaeology in the heartland of Assyria. www.wedgepod.org/episode-list/ The Iraq Heritage Stabilization Program--conservation and reconstruction work, excavation, and capacity building.
March 13, 2025 at 3:55 PM
the shop had some excellent merch. I resisted the Ishtar Gate glasses case, but now regret it
February 25, 2025 at 4:18 PM
the exhibition ends with some 'reception'--ancient Mesopotamia in the modern world. Pazuzu looms large, of course
February 25, 2025 at 4:18 PM
then it's back down to earth with house and home. There are magical figurines for protection, then a demonic battle: Pazuzu, lord of the winds, versus Lamashtu, the child-snatcher. The Lamashtu plaque is Erika's favourite object. In the middle is a sick person on a bed, receiving treatment
February 7, 2025 at 3:58 PM
next up is the heavens, creation, and the zodiac. This is home to another really nice display supported with graphics.
February 5, 2025 at 5:07 PM
there's also something about making seal impressions. Displaying cylinder seals is tricky. This display is a great way to do it.
February 4, 2025 at 4:13 PM
next up come kings and serving the gods, followed by an impressive display of cylinder seals. We see the raw materials seals were made from. These various stones held different meanings.
February 4, 2025 at 4:13 PM
the first section is about the archaeology of Babylon. There's a model of the Processional Way, a glazed brick panel showing a lion, and archival materials discussing the German excavations
January 31, 2025 at 4:33 PM
you enter through a mock-up of the famous Ishtar Gate. On the way, there's a chance to get a photo with the demon Pazuzu (here a curator provides scale and vibe)
January 31, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Thin End of the Wedge 73 is out: Zoltán Niederreiter & Erika Roboz: Kingdom of Gods and Demons
www.wedgepod.org/episode-list/
First major exhibition of Mesopotamian heritage in Hungary. And a big catalogue in both English and Hungarian versions. I'll do a little virtual tour over the coming days
January 29, 2025 at 3:44 PM
congratulations! it's an enjoyable read. only slightly disturbed by the description of the consistency of some beers
November 27, 2024 at 5:05 PM