Sir Henry Rawlinson
Early Life and Education
Sir Henry Creswicke Rawlinson was born on April 11, 1810, in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, England. He was the second son of Abram Tyzack Rawlinson and his wife, Eliza. Rawlinson's early education was conducted at Ealing School, where he demonstrated a keen interest in classical studies, particularly in languages. This early fascination with languages would later play a pivotal role in his career as an Assyriologist and diplomat.
In 1827, at the age of 17, Rawlinson joined the British East India Company as a cadet, which marked the beginning of his lifelong association with the East. His initial posting was in India, where he continued his studies in languages, focusing on Persian and other regional dialects. This linguistic proficiency would prove invaluable in his later work deciphering ancient scripts.
Career in the East India Company
Rawlinson's career with the East India Company was marked by rapid advancement. By 1833, he was appointed as a political agent in Kandahar, Afghanistan. During this period, he began to develop an interest in the ancient inscriptions he encountered, particularly those in Cuneiform script, which were largely undeciphered at the time.
His work in Afghanistan and Persia (modern-day Iran) provided him with the opportunity to study these inscriptions firsthand. Rawlinson's diplomatic skills were also honed during this period, as he navigated the complex political landscape of the region, which was characterized by the Great Game, the strategic rivalry between the British Empire and the Russian Empire.
Decipherment of Cuneiform
Rawlinson's most significant contribution to the field of archaeology and linguistics was his work on the Behistun Inscription. Discovered in the 6th century BCE, this monumental inscription was commissioned by Darius the Great of the Achaemenid Empire. It was carved into a cliff face in the Kermanshah Province of Iran and contained text in three languages: Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian.
In 1835, Rawlinson began the arduous task of copying the inscriptions, often risking his life to access the high and precarious cliff face. His efforts culminated in the successful decipherment of the Old Persian section of the inscription in 1838, which laid the groundwork for the subsequent decipherment of the Elamite and Babylonian sections. This breakthrough was instrumental in the development of Assyriology as a scholarly discipline.
Diplomatic Service and Later Life
Following his success with the Behistun Inscription, Rawlinson's career took a diplomatic turn. He was appointed as the British consul in Baghdad in 1843, where he continued his archaeological pursuits while fulfilling his diplomatic duties. His tenure in Baghdad was marked by significant archaeological discoveries, including the unearthing of ancient Babylonian and Assyrian sites.
In 1855, Rawlinson was appointed as a member of the Royal Asiatic Society, recognizing his contributions to the field of Oriental studies. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Reigate from 1858 to 1859 and for Frome from 1865 to 1868, where he advocated for the preservation of ancient sites and the promotion of Oriental studies.
Rawlinson's later years were dedicated to publishing his findings and engaging with the academic community. His works, including "The Persian Cuneiform Inscription at Behistun" and "A Commentary on the Cuneiform Inscriptions of Babylonia and Assyria," remain seminal texts in the field of Assyriology.
Legacy and Impact
Sir Henry Rawlinson's contributions to the decipherment of cuneiform and the study of ancient Near Eastern civilizations have left an indelible mark on the fields of archaeology and linguistics. His work paved the way for future scholars to explore the rich history of Mesopotamia and the broader ancient Near East.
Rawlinson's legacy is also reflected in his role as a founding figure of the British Museum's Department of Oriental Antiquities, where many of his collected artifacts are housed. His dedication to the preservation and study of ancient cultures continues to inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike.