Irving Finkel | The Ark Before Noah: A Great Adventure

Irving Finkel, Assistant Keeper I with responsibility for cuneiform in the Department of the Middle East, British Museum.
This talk, illustrated by a PowerPoint, will describe what befell the speaker after one quite remarkable cuneiform tablet was brought for examination to the British Museum in London. The inscription on this four-thousand-year-old tablet led to a series of altogether unexpected discoveries, demanding a whole new look at Noah and his Ark, and culminating in a book and a documentary film.
Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures lectures are free and available to the public thanks to the generous support of our members. To become a member, please visit: bit.ly/2AWGgF7

[Bedro B Queso]

Irving Finkel is totally a Wizard from Unseen University in Discworld. Right down to the muttered jokes. Wonderful and educational. Much thanks.

[HereIgoAgain]

Perhaps Discworld is actually a coracle on four elephants on a sea turtle.

[Helen O'Brien]

absolutely! I hadnt thought of that! I adore Irving Finkel!

[occam raiser]

What an apt comparison. Somewhat scatter-brained whilst muttering arcane knowledge to himself and explaining in disjointed phrases. The world needs experts like these :)

[Free Thinker Films • Jesse P. Watson]

100%, and while he's at it he really does personify a wonderful character of Englishness which does, just a smidgen, leave one thinking: "Perhaps, in the bemusingly witty intelligence of our finest eccentrics we did have a valid claim for world domination after all." I know, a truly terrible thing to say, but there it is 😉 [PS. I think Erwin Saunders, professor of pixie studies who has a wonderful youtube channel here must have largely been inspired by Irvin Finkel - the names have a rather similar ring to them too.]

[Certified Alienist]

Let me say this. I have studied and researched things for well over a quarter of a century. This guy is phenomenal. He’s entertaining and one of the most effective lecturers I’ve yet come across.

[earlysda]

The speaker in the video hasn't a clue what he is talking about.

[Aurora]

@earlysda Does he not? How's that? Did he not set the rules for the Royal Game of Ur straight? Did he not literally publish the paper on this matter?

[earlysda]

@Aurora Aurora, your satire is quite funny. Thank you.

[Aryeh Levine]

@earlysda He's literally the world's foremost expert on Cuneiform. He's not saying he believes the story, or anything like that, Dr Finkel is an atheist. He does know more than most if not all people about Cuneiform, so I'd drop the pride a bit and realize that you're listening to someone who's more of an expert than you are.

[earlysda]

@Aryeh Levine Aryeh, God calls Atheists "fools".

[Gábor Zoltai]

'In the editing process, they miss out certain words. Like NOT.' Comedy gold. I am turning into a total Irving Finkel fanboy.

[Giovanni Santostasi]

Me too.

[P Stewart]

I love this man's humor. This is one part comedy & three parts history. I'd love to take one of his courses. I bet he makes it so fun.

[TheJamesRedwood]

He's not a teacher. So you can't take a course of his.

[WINGED JUPITER HIGH]

I'm on some 35th minute and I haven't yet seen more than zero parts history

[Terri S.]

I have no idea how I found this lecture, but without a doubt, this is the best lecture I've ever heard in my life!!! I was sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time, though there was a time or two when I thought I just might fall out of my seat because I was laughing so hard--- laughing because of Irving Finkel's sense of humor and his comedic delivery. And I'm STILL chuckling over those goats! LOL

[Jim Palmer]

Irving Finkel is an international treasure. His particular gift to us is to make the ancients just as human as we are and thus just as relatable as our next-door neighbors. It has the dual effect of humbling the ancients and elevating us. He should live until 120 and never stop writing, teaching, researching and discovering.

[Inoshikacho Konoyaro Bakayaro]

Irving Finkle is a awesome. As a kid in my rough neighborhood highschool, I had a teacher who reminds me of him, I will never forget his lessons.

[Veronica Roach]

I went to an all girls school, a famous one in London, such a privilege, but the teachers were so wonderful I still remember them & their fantastic methods that made you sit up & take it all in - I'm 83 now, and wish every kid could have what they gave me ! I learned to love learning, and still do !

[Fredrik Larsson]

Apart from this being extremely interesting, I have laughed myself completely exhausted. This is probably the best entertainment I have experienced, and the learned gentleman Dr. Finkel, is a wonderful source of knowledge. He is also slightly mad, which probably makes things easier. This is the perfect cure for anyone who use to fall asleep in lectures. Not a chance!

[von Ozbourne]

I remember watching the documentary he spoke of when it was first aired. His rendition was much more informative and entertaining. (I also only meant to listen in the background while I was doing something else. Completely forgot about the something else)

[Laura Eden]

I wholeheartedly agree!!

[Laurence Shone]

Very entertaining and informative and as with many entertaining people a lot of the humour seemed to be lost on his audience.

[wrnchhead]

@von Ozbourne My exact experience! I had things to do, and there I was accomplishing nothing.

[Domino Effecto]

Speak for yourself. I'm still trying to figure the length minus 32 sutu from Chicago to Minnesota.

[Blue Collar Mom]

I declare Irving Finkel an International Treasure...someone get this man a gold chain immediately!

[Keeping An Openmind]

In keeping to the spirit of Mr. Finkel.... I say we wait to give it to him.. at a later date ! Just tell him we have one for him.,. and not tell him when he gets it ~!

[Kristi Ford]

Be on the lookout for Nicholas Cage

[MotherofCats For ever]

No, get him an elephant to come to work on!

[Kwaite Funi]

That was well worth my hour. This was such an entertaining story. Irving Finkle is the Great Wizard of Britain and you can't tell me otherwise. I first saw his video with Tom Scott playing the Royal Game of Ur. Ever since, I've been fascinated with this man.

[Sid Wexler]

I didn't even realise it's been an hour.

[andy trimble]

I've heard it said that a keen wit is a sign of genius. This man is the embodiment of that. Thank you, Mr Finkel, and thank you to those who recorded and posted this video. My heart is gleeful for having seen this.

[AJ Bryce]

I was actually sad when it ended, I could listen to this gentleman all day long!

[matanuska high]

This guy could talk about paint drying and I’d listen. He’s hilarious and makes learning a lot more fun.

[Mark Doldon]

Funny reactions. Hes interesting to listen to, obviously very knowledgable, and keeps his audience engaged with his humor. I'd hardly call him hilarious, though.

[ordanburdan]

it is cute that you need learning to be fun in order for yo to learn. reminds me of toddlers.

[Pat the Cat]

"Talk about paint drying and I'd listen"..... No kidding, it'd be great.

[amybee40]

@ordanburdan Personally, I can learn from almost anyone, but humor is still appreciated. It's weird that you think adults shouldn't have a sense of humor.

[Juan Galindo Eguiarte]

@ordanburdan what a nasty comment, you're not automatically mature if you don't like humor. Let people enjoy learning however they want.

[ryuhjn yguh]

I think the most astounding skill Irving happens to possess as an unparallelled historian and communicator is one I daresay most of his colleagues don't happen to share - supreme comedic sense and timing.

[Erick Ramírez]

Copy🐱

[Elaine Groom]

He is a jewel. Enjoyed his talk so much. Wow

[Vall Dove]

Hey beautiful queen lady

[Amber H]

Absolutely!! Most lectures I listen to at night, they're so dry! But he's always enjoyable!!

[strangetranceoffaith]

Wonderful I do hope Irving has a family because his line in dad jokes really is deserving of the correct audience.

[WillowTDog]

I am absolutely amazed that I managed to just stumble upon this incredible lecturer! I'd been watching historical cooking, then a random video about Egyptology, then something from the British Museum with this wonderful, charming man. Such a great style and sense of humor! Plus, that hair and beard! He ticks all the boxes for a wizard, or gentlemen scientist, or Santa. Just makes my inner child gleeful.

[BrandiZaster]

I think Mr. Finkel missed his calling as a comedian. He's incredibly funny and entertaining and I can't get enough of him.

[Kristi McGowan/ Darko’s Cellar Door]

What a marvelous hilarious story teller this man is!!! I absolutely loved this lecture!!! Cheers

[R Burgess]

His sense of humor is classic Brit- but there is also a touch of Monte Python's famous "wait for the audience to catch up, then quickly hit them again" method of delivery. Entertaniment and education, both at their finest. I have already watched this twice, but I am back a year later for "another hit" of his high level humor.

[Bedro B Queso]

I was getting distinct hints of Sir Terry Pratchett.

[Le Mouton Noir]

He's funny and brilliant. I wish I had a teacher like him when I was young and I think I must not be alone in this case

[Brian Anderson]

This fella is amazing! How can you be so direct and intellectual, yet deliver it with such humor has to keep the person entertained and enthralled? I don’t know, but obviously Dr. Finkel does. Love this guy

[MIchlas]

This gentleman is a true legend... love hear him talking..

[Solace Easy]

Tedious.

[Jozef Kováč]

James Rendi vibes.

[Dakota Thacker]

Same

[David Lomas]

I wish all my lecturers were able to inspire and teach in the same fashion as that. Amazing, articulate, artistic and amusing all at the same time.

[Greg Bellinger]

Excellent tone, volume, pace, body gestures, confidence, humility , humor, word choice, and directions for looking at the visuals. The clear historical orientation, design principles, lecture delivery, and encouragement to keep learning after the lecture. Thanks very much, Dr. Finkel. GB

[Hesdead Jim]

This was fun to watch, I loved his sense of humor. I wish every history class/lecture was this engaging!

[League Master gg]

I love the way this man explains everything.

[Shukor Hadi]

This is a fantastic lecturer! I could listen to him all day. Who else is like him in our time? I heard of a William Dunham but haven't heard him yet.

[Paul Sharrow]

The reality of energy and knowledge given by an humble man carries me to greater knowledge and very joyously at that, Irving. You are precious of course.

[NMS SpaceDude]

Absolutely fascinating, very informative - and I just love Irving Finkel's sense of humour!

[WLFFY & Friends!]

Irving Finkel appears to be a national treasure. Y'all should give him a BBC series or some such.

[Slappy]

BBC would only be interested if he put on a dress, converted to Islam, and changed his name to Venus Rainbow, and then complained about sexism, transphobia, and islamophobia.

[Jeremiah Williams]

Agree

[TheMegadethMonk]

@Slappy and racism and white males...don't forget about racism and WHITE MALES!!!!

[themadplotter]

I liked the guy who went full Fox News to make you feel at home.

[SadDingus]

thank you so much for allowing the public to enjoy this knowledge for free. as a person of limited means that still loves to learn it makes my day. this speaker was great.

[Patricia Oudart]

Third time watching and listening to Finkel story! Going so far in World's History, with the early way of writing, in that humoristic way, this is amazing, fresh, so close to the ancestors he is reading texts, as if they were knocking at the door.🙏🧡💚

[emily baker]

What a fascinating and wonderfully delivered lecture. Thank you for putting on here for all to see.

[Amanita Muscaria]

Irving's talks are just amazing. He's highly entertaining, very knowledgeable and extremely interesting. I learn. I laugh. A lot.

[Rhonda Sisco-Cleveland]

He’s so wonderful to listen to. What a great storyteller.

[Seraphim Mary Santiago]

From beginning to end he had my attention, this was fascinating and what an amazing speaker. Just great energy throughout the entire story he shares. 👍👍👍 a man whose passion for Noah's atk is captivating.

[Micheal Freeman]

It's not Noah's ark

[Hugh Cipher]

Fascinating. I've watched this several times already. Brilliant research by a brilliant historian and linguist

[Mikosch2]

I just imagine how 3000 years from now, archaeologists dig up the rubble of the British Museum, find these tablets with the map of Babylon, and then go to figure out which part of the nearby ancient riverbed... Thames or what it was once called... it could possibly refer to.

[IIIIII]

@ez icarus thats hilarious if true

[Paul Leach]

Ah, The Book of Dave hypothesis...

[Laura Eden]

Another triumph!! Your humor mingles delightfully with your erudition and I enjoyed every moment of this program!Fascinating ✨

[Steven Lantz]

There should be a 24 hour tv station called Finkel-vision, with an unlimited budget and just let him go.

[Otto Beumelburg]

BEARD VISION: THE FINKEL WISDOM

[Chad Trump]

I agree. I love this guy.

[ggl driv]

😄

[Lenard H.]

I would totally watch it! I absolutely adore Irving Finkel! 😁

[Julie James]

TAKE. MY. MONEY.

[Random Space Junk]

What an absolute treat! Boring weekend and finding this remarkable lecture on KZbin saved the day. Manage to be both educational and entertaining leaving me with an hour well spent.

[HeavensGremlin]

In our increasingly anodyne world, thank God for characters like Finkel. You can't possibly listen to him without smiling....

[Love and Life]

This lecture is so informative and entertaining at the same time, no wonder the audience was responding with enthusiasm

[Glenn R. Frank]

An absolutely fascinating talk ... and I love you sense of humor! Thank you for entertaining and educating!

[William Pezzner]

Thank you very much for sharing that story, Irving. You have an incredible job.

[Janice Bone]

Sir, what a wonderful lecture... I would have loved to have had you as one of my lecturers... Thank you

[Tybold63]

Marvellous story and interesting subject. As a Swede I also appreciate the good articulation of the speaker so that I didn't miss anything (or not much).😁

[Eugene Aniar]

Wow this lecture is a gem. Being an art teacher myself this is an added learning that can be shared for students. Truly enjoyed this one. Thank you so much for sharing. 💙

[MrSolonolo]

An incomparably brilliant storyteller. Much appreciated. Thank you.

[little mama]

My best friend was like this...he was such an intelligent man....he died of a rare children's cancer....he really brought the Bible to life for me..rip fozzi bear...see you in heaven one day

[Marilyn Tape]

😊👍🇦🇺

[Helene]

Oh that was interesting....and at so many points, both thrilling and entertaining in ample measure! Thank you, Mr Finkel, sir.

[Malcolm A]

What a wonderful speaker. If he was my history teacher at school I would never of gave it up. All those years ago I had a firm interest given to me by a deputy head and history teacher at my first senior school I had attended.

[KNZJ VMATC-3]

A thoroughly entertaining, informative presentation! Love it, every time I watch it -- Cheers!

[Jeremy Fox]

Irving Finkel is the greatest teacher! We would have been so lucky to have had him lecturing and teaching where I once studied! At least we have plenty of new video recordings of him speaking on KZbin which I have been watching through, each and everyone is wonderful! Thank you, Mr Finkel.

[Scott A. Jacob]

I must have watched this ten times at least and it's just as amusing each and every time as the first time. Irving would be the kind of person I'd love to have over for dinner and a couple bottles of wine. I hope he's still with the BM.

[Mnémosyne]

What a pleasure to hear and learn from this wonderful man !

[ryllian6]

Dave, keep going, your hard work has been a real insight into the strange world we live in. My feelings and thoughts go out to those families who have lost loved ones. I have about 6 of your books and see what you are getting at about the profile points, There is no easy answer to this mystery, I still think about Stacy Arras and what happened to her, it haunts me to think about that case. ALL THE BEST DAVE, BE SAFE.

[Tatiana Hallam]

I love his wittiness! He’s sharp and insightful!

[Rainer Wagner]

I saw this man for the first time today, because I´m interested of ancient stories. He brought that in a very interesting form, it wasn´t used to get a short sleep with it. And of course it was humorously brought to the people and well understandable. Beside I saw a lot of further videos with several interesting themes which I will look after to see them all! Many Thanks Mr. Finkel ! Alba go bragh!

[Michelle Knowles]

This man is a treasure, how privileged we are to have been able to see and hear him speak.

[Ava Joy Porter]

I totally enjoyed this video and I definitely will purchase The ark before Noah. Thank you for your work and I had a great time being educated during your lecture. Definitely interesting, fun, and exciting. your the best and thank you for this video. Even after all the years since you made this video, We are now in 2020, and it's still very significant and a great learning experience.

[paulbaker8]

A great lecture delivered in a most enjoyable and lucid way. Thank you

[Lamont DeCol II]

I could listen to Irving Finkel talk about anything, he is a treasure to all humanity.

[Leroy Scharfenberg]

What a WONDERFUL lecture! (:-) I watched the documentary a while ago but this was so much more enjoyable! Thank you!

[Uche Umunna]

Brilliant and so enlightening. This is, by far, the best Lecture I have sat through in years...I don't remember any better. Short memory, I guess..!

[Robert Kaucher]

This is officially my favorite video on KZbin. I'm now going to binge watch every Irving Finkle video I can find. I am at work listening to this while I wait on a server to deploy and trying to stifle laughter.

[Amanda Collyer]

Fantastic content, and this guy is hilarious - I want to learn ancient history from him :)

[mompracem01]

I am speechless, and inexplicably happy after seeing this lecture. I must say, english is not my native tongue, so I may have missed a lot. But this was amazing! Thank you!

[Shirley Drake]

Wonderful, entertaining and informative. I could listen to this man lecture for hours on end.

[Greg Argo]

Most Wonderful learning experience! What a masterful presentation Mr. Finkel. Thank you !!!!

[Keika]

A marvelous and extremely pleasant experience listening to this informative lecture.

[Steve Doggart]

I love these lectures. Dr Finkle is a great aurator. A teacher of the highest degree. Brilliantly informative , and entertaining.

[quasox wartune]

fantastic story teller, and a great inspirator for his field of expertise!

[Tim McDraw]

Just one of the greatest storytellers - I find what he talks about endlessly interesting, and that’s what drew me to him at first, but I think I’d enjoy anything told by him -a count by count recap of filing his taxes or nkotb lyrics

[Irving Finkel]

Whether you have enjoyed this or not you might find my book The Ark Before Noah interesting... Irving Finkel

[Sara Kochanny]

This is one of the most interesting lectures I've ever heard! It's incredible the puzzles that can be solved from such limited information. I also saw a video of how you deciphered the rules to the Royal Game of Ur. Thank you for uncovering our history!

[e Mamadra]

thank you

[charles robbins]

I just happen to have my debit card handy and am willing to use it. I expect your humor to be a little more on the dry side for the book? No matter, you are obviously intelligent and your input on ancient history will be, no doubt, interesting. You sold me on the idea.

[C. V.]

Smashing! Absolutely smashing! Well good chap I dare say that was undoubtedly the witty-est and most enjoyable speech! Bravo ! Very informative and great bursts of humor throughout. Needless to say, but I must, that was a jolly good show you! I will check out your book in support of what seems to be your life's work and passion. Thank you for this pleasurable experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Vos, Christian

[The Chad Pad]

I absolutely loved it. I watched it twice, once many months ago, and now here I am again, on a quest to gain my KZbin PhD in ancient history. Thank you for helping me on my quest

[Firefly]

He is as close to a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher as you are ever going find. Give the man a knighthood, if he wants one.

[Sumita K. Chakrabarty]

The professor is a master storyteller! Hats off!

[Gryphon Arms USA]

I love this gentleman. He's extremely knowledgeable, educational and freaking hilarious. Great video. I had a great laugh and learned a lot of interesting history.

[Richard Wendling]

AMEN!

[Bruder K]

He is the kind of which i wish my teachers would have been.

[Jeanne Baker]

FABULOUS! BRILLIANT! Brilliant lecture. I wish all my professors would have been this entertaining and knowledgeable.

[Ashwinn Myburgh]

I love this guy's lectures, always a blast, always fascinating.

[saturday player]

Just found this. Why hasn't this fabulous orator not been on tv more?

[yakamen]

LOL he explained it. Documentarians LIE. He's a museum curator and actual intellectual. But I would binge watch this dude talk for hours. Even if he was selling shirts.

[HippieGeek]

Mr. Finkle, you are a world treasure! It was a pleasure to learn and laugh with you! Thank you for showing us your passion, what a remarkable sight, I find the best way to traverse white water rapids is in a round floating "raft".

[victoria golmehdi]

You are an amazing speaker. Love listening to someone who really knows their subject.

[Catherine]

I hope that all the love people feel about Mr. Funkel will let him live longer so that he continues to give us more reasons to love him even more for work that he does. Almost nothing makes me happier than listening to a scientist in love with their job.

[motorcop505]

CatherineZ Amen!

[Laura Feher]

Well said

[Yves André THEVENOT]

This scholar is brilliant. I've also read his remarkable book about the ARK.

[Happy Lady]

Absolutely loved this! Haven’t laughed so much in ages. Don’t know how it popped up in my KZbin but so thankful it did.

[Samanta CM]

Bravo Mr. Irving Finkel!! I really enjoyed and learning with you is always amazing.

[MassiveChafe]

Such a joy to listen to, thank you Irving!!

[Daniel Claudio]

irving treading the line between beliefs is great. love it.

[David-Joe Klotz]

Mr. Finkel is an amazing unique story teller. Enjoyed this tremendously! Thanks!

[Stuart Bruff]

Excellent. It goes to show just how inventive and skilled humans can be.

[Jim Nicholson]

This is so educational, and so very entertaining. It's the kind of stimulation that TV fails to offer, and the very antithesis of popular culture mind-numbing dross.

[Ronald Sanganetti]

We need more educators like this guy. Hilarious.

[Denise Bremridge]

17.01,2022 Never a truer word spoken in jest! What a brilliant perception of the ancient world and its descriptions in the Bible come to life by an Academic of great repute. Thank you Irving Finkel for delivering such a convincing Reality take of the building of Noah's Ark. It was engrossing from beginning to end and particularly amazing to learn that the ancient skill of such boat-building still exists today amongst the humblest of craftsmen in southern India and no doubt in Iraq and its people of the Marshlands. Kind regards Denise Bremridge, Cape Town

[Michael Spence]

That was a bloody fantastic lecture!!! 👍

[Marcus Agrippa]

I love this guy... He's so damn funny and still able to educate. If only school teachers were like that.

[Ken Lyneham]

How I wish I had a teacher such as this man.

[andy neill]

A brilliant lecture a pleasure to listen.

[Rajidahae]

What a fabulous presenter, fascinating subject, great humor and storytelling! So glad I stumbled upon Irving Finkel...

[Vidar Edland]

This might've been the most marvelous thing I've ever seen! I really needed this today; thank you :D Also, Irving Finkel is a treasure!