When I first went to the school I spoke only my native tongue of the Amorite. I did not know Sumerian nor Akkadian. It was only in these languages that the scribal art could be performed. (Two Scribes, line 10; Letters at Mari, page 198). I spent much of my time in school writing, or rather, copying, the same thing over and over and over again. This was so that I would remember things. (The Dialogue Between an Examiner and a Student, line 26). I learned the beginner’s sign List, a-a me-me in both Sumerian and Akkadian. (Examiner and Student, line 11). I also learned other basic skills that all scribes need to learn so that they may be of use in the world around them, and not just be someone who copies what people say.
After I had learned all of this and more, I was put under the supervision of a regular supervisor. (Dialogue Between a Supervisor and a Scribe). He became my master, my mentor. He taught me not just how to write and the style of writing, but how to live as a member of this profession. “Humility,” (Supervisor and Scribe, line 7) was something he sought to instill upon me. “Do not idle away the day! Do not rest in the evening! Go to work this moment!” were words he enjoyed speaking to me. (Supervisor and Scribe, line 18). Hard work was not just what needed to be done, it was the proper thing to do. The most important thing he taught me, was the way in which to speak, and the way in which to write. The prose, that was the key. Once I had learned that, and he believed that I had, I was ready to go out and work as a true scribe.
For my work, the texts that I wrote were of business transactions and with keeping track of inventory. I was well trained for this in school. I had been taught how to “divide a plot,” and apportion a field,” properly (Dialogue Between Two Scribes, lines 29 and 30). I learned how to convert and compare raw materials that were used and the items that were produced. (Two Scribes, line 59).
There was other work that scribes could have done. Some scribes worked for the king and his family or for other officials. They would write down messages that needed to be sent between people (Letters at Mari, the nature of the letters). These scribes would travel between the original messenger and back. Some of the letters were of personal nature while others contained the business of the king. I have also heard that some scribes had enough time that they would write down stories that were not based on facts. But this was not the case for most scribes. (Letters at Mari, #13). I personally have never done this, preferring to spend my time doing the work that needed to be done.
I have had no sons of my own whom could carry on in my profession. However, I do have 3 daughters, the youngest of whom I had sent off to school. Female scribes, while not rare, are not common either (Letters at Mari, page 198). My daughter had an advantage in school that I did not, that is she already knew Sumerian and Akkadian along with our native Amorite Language, for she was the daughter of a scribe.
But now I am an old man and need my rest. I have returned to the school as a teacher to help those who are just learning the art. I shall pass on my knowledge and traditions to the new generation. They learn how to live and act as a scribe, just as I did in my youth.
Score: 40/40
