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1. Canaanite game board
2. Babylonian divination model
3. Egyptian map
4. Hittite frisbee
5. Israelite cosmetic palette
Answer: (2) Babylonian divination model
This clay tablet, dating to the Old Babylonian period (c. 2000–1595 BCE) and measuring about 7 inches across, is a model of a sheep’s liver that likely originated from the site of ancient Sippar in Iraq (Tell Abu Habba, about 20 miles southwest of Baghdad). Across the ancient Near East, liver models were used for various purposes, including to record divination procedures and educate apprentices. This model, which contains 55 separate sections, each with a description written in Akkadian, was used to instruct apprentices in the art of divination.
In the ancient Near East, extispicy—the reading of signs on the inner organs of a sacrificial animal—was often used to divine the will of the gods. A sheep’s liver was the most common organ used by diviners, and similar liver models have been found throughout the region, including at several major Canaanite sites.
The practice of divination is mentioned several times in the Bible. One of the most notable examples is the story of the prophet Balaam (Numbers 22–24), who is called upon to curse the Israelites, but refrains after learning they are God’s chosen people. Similarly, in the Book of Daniel, diviners (simply referred to as “Chaldeans”) are called upon to interpret the dreams of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:2).
. Canaanite game board 2. Babylonian divination model 3. Egyptian map 4. Hittite frisbee 5. Israelite cosmetic palette Answer: (2) Babylonian divination model This clay tablet, dating to the Old Babylonian period (c. 2000–1595 BCE) and measuring about 7 inches across, is a model of a sheep’s liver that likely originated from the site of ancient Sippar in Iraq (Tell Abu Habba, about 20 miles southwest of Baghdad). Across the ancient Near East, liver models were used for various purposes, including to record divination procedures and educate apprentices. This model, which contains 55 separate sections, each with a description written in Akkadian, was used to […]
