“And I Have Also Devoted Myself to the Art of Music”. Ancient Near Eastern Studies in Honor of Franco D’Agostino Presented on His 65th Birthday by His Pupils, Colleagues, and Friends

This volume is dedicated to Franco D’Agostino on the occasion of his 65th birthday, celebrating his outstanding contributions to the study of ancient Mesopotamia. As a distinguished Assyriologist at Sapienza University of Rome, Franco has significantly advanced our knowledge of Sumerian, Eblaite, Assyrian, and Babylonian cultures, languages, history, and archaeology. However, his intellectual pursuits extend far beyond academia. An accomplished poet, novelist, and musician, Franco has explored various artistic fields with passion and creativity, embodying a multidisciplinary approach to knowledge and expression. The contributions gathered in this volume reflect the broad impact of Franco’s scholarship and mentorship. Friends, colleagues, and students from around the world have come together to honor his work through essays covering diverse topics in Assyriology, Archaeology, and the Ancient Near East. In addition to recognizing his academic legacy, this volume pays tribute to his artistic endeavors and the richness of his intellectual curiosity.