Irving Finkel, a curator in the Middle East department of the British Museum, introduces viewers to the “oldest map of the world in the world.” This remarkable artifact, housed in the British Museum, dates back 2,900 years and offers a glimpse into the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia.
The video, posted on YouTube, features Finkel explaining the significance of the Babylonian map, which is inscribed on a clay tablet. Despite being incomplete, Finkel and his student Edith Horsley managed to find a missing piece and reattach it, allowing for a deeper understanding of the map. The map not only depicts the ancient Mesopotamian world but also references the story of the ark, built by Ziusudra in the Mesopotamian flood myth.
Finkel uses a replica of the map to delve into its details, explaining why it was made of clay and what it reveals about the ancient world. The video has garnered nearly 1.4 lakh views and prompted a range of reactions from viewers. Some expressed amazement at the map, while others praised Finkel’s engaging storytelling.
One viewer joked, “I really wanted him to bite it like a cookie.” Another commented, “Wow, I love this.” A third viewer said, “This is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on YouTube. Finkel’s storytelling ability is unparalleled. And the production team did a superb job adding to the magic with the graphics.”
Another viewer shared, “Mr. Finkel has the magical ability to simultaneously talk about something in a comfy, cosy manner while also 100% getting across this genuine enthusiasm that makes you care about whatever he’s talking about. It’s really quite fun to listen to these videos of yours, Irving! I love learning about these things in your ‘Curator’s Corner’—whenever I see a new video show up in my sub feed, I always make sure to click!”
The video not only showcases a significant historical artifact but also highlights the engaging manner in which history can be presented. What are your thoughts on this video about the “oldest map of the world in the world”? Did the video leave you fascinated?
