Thanks to Blinkist for sponsoring this video and the following special offer: Go to https://www.blinkist.com/historywithcy and get a 7 day free trial and 25% off a premium membership. The discovery of the Great Library of Nineveh in 1850 is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Technically started during the reigns of earlier kings, the library reached its zenith under the reign of the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal, who attempted to acquire every known tablet and writing board of value and put them all under one roof. The library's contents were truly remarkable, and the translation of thousands of its clay cuneiform tablets have unveiled a lot about the history of the ancient world, especially that of Mesopotamia. However, the story as to why this library was built in the first place is just as equally fascinating, which is what this program will take an in-depth look at. Sources and Suggested Reading ► https://bit.ly/3x3Hmwb Contents: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Early Libraries 04:07 Divination 07:15 Esarhaddon's Obsession with Knowing the Future 10:25 Difficulty Obtaining Valued Texts 12:42 Ashurbanipal's Great Library 17:15 Rediscovery of the Library 19:30 Thank You & Patrons Follow History with Cy: Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/historywithcy/ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/historywithcy/ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/historywithcy Website ► http://www.historywithcy.com Podcast ► https://historywithcy.buzzsprout.com/ Music: Epidemic Sound #assyria #ancienthistory #bronzeage