((Alum and its uses in ancient Iraq in light of cuneiform texts and archaeological evidence))

Abstract

Abstract

        Alum occupied a prominent position in ancient Iraq as one of the oldest known compounds, probably in a pure state, as it played an important role in the history of ancient chemistry, and was an important material in the processes of dyeing, tanning, washing, glass, pharmaceuticals, and perhaps also water purification and other technological processes in chemistry Ancient Mesopotamia, which is one of the few chemicals that can be identified today with certainty. The reason for choosing this topic is the importance of this substance in ancient Iraq and the lack of studies that dealt with this topic and the rest of the topics related to the sciences and knowledge of Mesopotamia. The first axis included the naming of stone Alum in cuneiform sources (Sumerian and Akkadian) and its chemical composition, while the second axis dealt with the sources of stone according to what the cuneiform texts mentioned and its different types, while the third axis called the uses of stone in various industries included several axes. The first dealt with the use of alum stone in textile manufacturing processes While the second included the dyeing process (it was used as a color stabilizer and as a minor as well as used in coloring as well), while the second included the dyeing process. The third included the tanning process (as it added softness and luster to the skin as well as playing a major role in preventing the skin from rotting), as for the fourth axis, it was devoted to the medicinal uses of alum stone, being many and varied, as it was used (to wash the mouth, maintain teeth, stop bleeding, and stop the crust And as a treatment for the ear, and for jaundice, and many other uses, while the fifth axis included its use in the process of making glass and some other industries, and finally the accessories that included pictures of alum stone