This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on April 12, 2003). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
This hurt to read:
The world’s first written words may have been lost forever. After surviving for more than 5,000 years, distinctive clay tablets that are recognised as the root of all mankind’s written communication have either been destroyed or stolen in yesterday’s looting of the Iraqi national museum.
In addition to the tablets containing cuneiform writing – which utilises symbols chipped into the clay using wedge-shaped tools – thieves also took some of the world’s earliest examples of mathematics. These include calculations that have directly led to the modern system of timekeeping using hours, minutes and seconds based on the number six.