x
This website is using cookies to give you the best online experience. That's Fine
Persian Wonders Mode




Ancient Persia Events

In collaboration with Cambridge University Persian Society
And Oxford University Persian Society

Past Event

History of Board Games, The Royal Game of Ur | 2023

We were honoured to host Dr Irving Finkel as our guest speaker. He is a British expert in ancient languages and cultures, specifically focusing on the script and languages of ancient Mesopotamia. He holds the position of Assistant Keeper of Ancient Mesopotamian script, languages, and cultures at the Department of the Middle East in the British Museum. One of Finkel's research areas revolves around the history of board games, and he actively contributes to Board Game Studies as a member of the Editorial Board. One of his notable achievements includes deciphering the oldest game rules and reconstructing the Royal Game of Ur.
The event centered around the Royal Game of Ur. On display were replicas of the royal game of Ur, ancient board game, discovered at the Shahr-i Sokhta UNESCO World Heritage site in Persia, as well as the oldest rule book.

Location: Cambridge Date: 11/11/2023

Learn More

History of Music | 2023

In collaboration with Cambridge University Persian Society

We are honoured to host Richard Dumbrill, archaeomusicologist to have a unique experience understanding music history in the Near East, particularly in Iran. The event covers history from the mid-fourth millennium BCE until the end of BCE. It is a highly educational event, including live music. For the first time, we will unveil a modern interpretation inspired from the oldest harp in the world, exclusively reproduced for Persian Wonders. We are also honoured to display a reproduction of the Elamite harp of the battle of Ulai (653 BCE) and the Elamite lute from the 2nd millennium BC by Richard Dumbrill. Refreshments are also available to be served.

Locations: Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge Date: 14/10/2023

Learn More

The Decipherment of Linear Elamite Writing | 2022

In collaboration with Cambridge University Persian Society

Uncovering secrets of the past by breaking the code of an ancient writing system. In Cambridge we were honoured to host Dr Francois Desset, who has deciphered Linear Elamite, the world’s oldest “pure” phonetic writing system.

Location: St John's College, University of Cambridge Date: 29/10/2022

Learn More