Fig. 167.—Fragment of Border of Fig. 166; from a Threshold of Khorsabad. (P. & C.)
The brick from Erech, or ancient Warka, gives a good idea of one of the oldest forms of Chaldean writing known (Fig. 170). It consists of an abridgment of the representation of natural objects, as all alphabets in their original state were merely pictures or pictographs. This inscription shows the stage of conventional signs or ideographic writing before it underwent the change into the cuneiform, or wedge-shaped writing of the Assyrians.
Fig. 168.—Plan and Elevation of Part of a Façade at Warka; from Loftus. (P. & C.)
Some of the bricks were made wedge-shaped, for use in the building of arches and vaults. The common bricks were sometimes used in the crude state, or unburnt, and burnt. Enamelled bricks were greatly used in Chaldea, but the clay of which they were made was softer and more friable. This was used purposely, so that the enamel would sink deeper into the soft material, and thereby make a more lasting surface protection.
Fig. 169.—Babylonian Brick, 16 ins. square, 4 ins. thick. (P. & C.)
Fig. 170.—Brick from Erech. (P. & C.)