Ancient Babylonian Hymn Rediscovered with AI: A Blend of Technology and History

In July 2025, researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) and the University of Baghdad announced the rediscovery of a 3,000-year-old Babylonian hymn, previously lost for over a millennium. Led by Professor Enrique Jiménez of LMU's Institute of Assyriology, the team utilized artificial intelligence to analyze and match cuneiform text fragments from various sources. This AI-supported platform enabled the identification of 30 related manuscripts, facilitating the reconstruction of the hymn.

The hymn, dating back to around 1000 BCE, offers a poetic tribute to Babylon's grandeur, describing its architecture, the Euphrates River's life-giving waters, and the city's inclusive society. Notably, it highlights women's roles in religious practices, mentioning priestesses who "cleanse with pure water" and "kneel in prayer." The text also emphasizes the city's hospitality towards foreigners and support for the vulnerable, stating, "The humble they protect, the weak they support."

The discovery underscores the potential of integrating AI with traditional archaeological methods to reconstruct and preserve ancient texts, providing deeper insights into historical cultures.

Babylon, founded around 2000 BCE in Mesopotamia, grew into the largest city of its time and became a thriving center of culture and scholarship. Many of its writings remain cornerstones of the world's literary heritage. The rediscovery of this hymn adds to the rich tapestry of Babylonian literature and offers a rare glimpse into the everyday life and beliefs of the city that once ruled the world.

The rediscovery of the Babylonian hymn is a testament to the power of combining modern technology with traditional scholarship. It not only enriches our understanding of ancient Babylonian culture but also demonstrates the potential of AI in uncovering and preserving the literary treasures of the past.