The Chaldean Account of Genesis
“The Chaldean Account of Genesis” by George Smith is a seminal work that presents the findings and translations of ancient Babylonian and Assyrian texts, including the famous Epic of Gilgamesh. Published in 1876, the book was one of the first to reveal to the Western world the richness of Mesopotamian mythology and its parallels to biblical stories, notably the Great Flood narrative.
Smith’s work primarily focuses on the deciphering and interpretation of cuneiform tablets from the library of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh. He meticulously translates several key texts, offering insights into the mythology, religious beliefs, and creation stories of the ancient Chaldean (Babylonian) civilization. The most striking aspect of his book is the presentation of the Babylonian Flood story, which bears remarkable similarities to the biblical story of Noah’s Ark.
The book also delves into the creation myths, including the story of the creation of the world and mankind, and the tales of gods and goddesses that governed the lives and destinies of the people. Smith’s scholarly approach provides a comprehensive overview of the religious and mythological narratives of the ancient Mesopotamian civilization, highlighting their cultural and historical significance. “The Chaldean Account of Genesis” remains an important work for its groundbreaking contribution to the field of Assyriology
About George Smith
George Smith was a British Assyriologist from a working-class Victorian family, had limited educational opportunities. At fourteen, he apprenticed with Bradbury and Evans in London to learn banknote engraving, where he excelled. He was captivated by Assyrian culture and history from a young age, reading extensively on the subject in his spare time. His passion led him to spend lunch hours at the British Museum, studying cuneiform tablets discovered near Mosul, Iraq by Layard, Rawlinson, and Rassam during the 1840-1855 archaeological expeditions. In 1863, Smith married Mary Clifton, and they had six children. His natural talent for cuneiform was first noticed by Samuel Birch. Smith’s most significant achievements include deciphering the Epic of Gilgamesh, particularly the flood narrative, significantly advancing the understanding of Assyrian and Babylonian cultures and histories. In March 1876, the British Museum trustees sent him to excavate more of the Library of Ashurbanipal. Tragically, Smith fell ill with dysentery in İkizce, a village near Aleppo, and died there at the age of 36 on 19 August.