Born in Babylon? The jig is up! Read on…I must admit that I am surprised at my readership. Although I can imagine a number of individuals (you know who you are) realizing the absurdity of the document and hesitating to admit it. 🙂
What you are looking at is the physical echo of a daydream, late one evening when I thought to myself:
Well, what if I took that YouTube video that has been circulating and smashed it together with the Kenyan birth certificate debacle?
In the wee hours of the night, refusing sleep, after translating and typesetting (both sloppliy), cutting and crinkling, the “artifact” was born:
Originally, I planned on sending a copy of it hand-inked on actual papyrus to the President, himself as a belated birthday gift, along with a cover letter explaining everything that went into it… but I figured that it might not be in good taste… (and at the same time might get me on some lists… or not but who knows? If there are I’m probably already on them. 🙂 ).
In either case, I hesitated and decided to share it on here with everyone else instead, so that ancient language buffs may enjoy a bit of a chuckle.
(Incidentally, if you’re interested in a copy of it, send me an email.)
Peace,
-Steve
The form of writing at that time was not even close to this.
Ory,
Although the script is not 100% authentic to Darius’ reign, it is by no means “not even close.” 🙂
This is a standard Imperial Aramaic hand as written on papyrus taken from documents found at Elephantine (which was convenient). These letter forms existed as early as the 8th century BCE, well before, during and after Darius’ time.
Regardless, please keep in mind that the whole point of this exercise was to be anachronistic. 🙂
Peace,
-Steve