Wolfram von Soden

Wolfram von Soden was the pre-eminent German Assyriologist of the post-World War II era, whose work in philology and lexicography laid the foundation for modern understanding of ancient Semitic languages. Despite controversies surrounding his membership in the Nazi party, his scholarly contributions, particularly key works like the Akkadisches Handwoerterbuch and Grundriss Akkadischer Grammatik, remain indispensable for the study of the ancient Near East today. His extensive research also disproved myths about "dying, rising gods" and contributed to a deeper comprehension of Old Testament philology and history. Von Soden's scholarship, though subject to criticism for potential Nazi ideological bias, demonstrably reflects a profound engagement with the cultures and languages of ancient Semitic peoples.