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

[@itsmybike1078]

Going by the comments people dont even know who Dr Finkle is? Dr Finkle is the leading professor of Assyriology and can read Assyrian, Babylonian and Sumerian as well as speak all three languages and is also Currently the Head curator at the British museum. Dr Finkle is also famous for finding the worlds oldest Game called the Royal game of UR as well as finding the cuneiform Rules. He also translates cuneiform Ghost story's and dairies and all can be watched on KZbin!

[@DA-gq6kt]

Thank you

[@johnsmith5010]

​@@PrometheusZandskihave you got any lectures I can watch ? 😂

[@_.Leo_.]

​​@@PrometheusZandskiI, too, can speak autism. I'm glad to have found a similar fellow here

[@Mihoshika]

I'm only familiar with the name from the Tom Scott videos on Cuneiform and Ur.

[@vinoismeify]

​@@PrometheusZandskiare you high dude?

[@irvingfinkel9816]

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

[@SaraKochanny]

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!

[@emamadra3472]

thank you

[@charlesrobbins2208]

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.8199]

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

[@TheChadPad]

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

[@dorotak2908]

Thank God for KZbin. Can you imagine this lecture would only be available to a handful of people in that room! That would be a real shame. It's absolutely delightful, in content and delivery! ❤❤❤❤

[@dorotak2908]

@beamazed1162 yes, actually I know all that. I even have a book on Chinese inventions. Spare your breath

[@MorpheusOne]

The audio quality is horrid. _`God`_ forbid they remaster the audio, out of the Neolithic age of analog technology & into the digital age, to at least lessen the echo, while also reducing the background noise, to something reasonable. The echo and the background noise, coupled with _`Her Majesty's`_ British accent, make this video completely unworthy of wasting my time trying to watch, and listen, to it. Thumb's down!

[@beamazed1162]

@@MorpheusOne Everything must be carbon-14 tested and corroborated by multiple evidences. China’s history has been corroborated by multiple evidences

[@neclark08]

​@@MorpheusOne-- ...listening to a Good British Storyteller is simply a matter of de-tuning your Modern Ear to let the language flow around- and over you -- as if you are watching Shakespeare performed in its original accent... You've expended at least TWICE as much effort & energy in compiling your pedantic Complaints about this presentation than it would have taken you to just run the video 2 times -- the first to watch the images as you let the audio play in the 'background', and the second to enjoy HEARING the tale which Professor/Doctor Finkle is telling...

[@MorpheusOne]

@neclark: Have you considered the more likely possibility that you have really, REALLY, really low standards¿?

[@001FJ]

As an Iraqi, I am glad to see my country being mentioned for once for its historical value.

[@Jacobsoetsrto3211]

U islam idiot. Destroying this artefak

[@Kalicdire]

Just wait until the United nations gets moved out of New York to a small ancient town about 50miles south of Baghdad.

[@mathsfornineyearolds]

The ratios are also present in the consruction of a pllace called stone henge, and in the construction of churches and mosque.. In Christian mythology they come from the tree of knowledge and there is a sequence of cosines that go with it the mythology described as a serpent. The academic canon ask that people are not told this. Barthes wrote something about the mythology in the 1950's and added "I can see the thunder clouds on the horizon as I writre.. Cant control the internet.

[@purrpurr6618]

@001FJ your country is the cradle of civilisation. be proud of your history and hope that you will be able to be proud of your country one day again

[@domwick720]

There is a vortex in Iraq, thus the recent invasion.

[@edwardcrow6385]

This is the kind of man who if given a billion dollars, wouldn’t retire. “I finally have enough money to research everything I want to” he’d spend every last penny on discovery and spreading that knowledge

[@bswantner2]

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

[@hereigoagain5050]

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

[@helenobrien3941]

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

[@occamraiser]

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

[@JesseP.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.]

[@TimberWolfmanV6]

He’s off his Dried frog pills. (these are pills made chiefly from frogs, specifically the extremely poisonous ones that live in the vivarium at Unseen University)

[@001FJ]

As an Iraqi, I appreciate it when historians and archaeologists mention Iraq by name, because in the west the name “Iraq” is only mentioned in relationship to wars, terrorism, dictatorship, and human rights violations. If mentioned in documentaries for its historical value then it is called Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, Assyria, Mesopotamia, or the Cradle of Civilization, which is a huge disservice to Iraq and Iraqis, since many people think these places are mythical or disputed like Atlantis. Historians don't do that with Egypt (e.g. Kemet), China (e.g. Zhongguo) or Greece (e.g. Hellas), they call them by their modern names. Many events in Genesis happened in Iraq (e.g. Garden of Eden and the Tower of Babel), until Abraham “set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan” (Genesis 11:31). And when Abraham wanted his son Isaac to get married, he sent his servant to his relatives in Iraq to find a wife for Isaac. Later Biblical events also happened in Iraq (e.g. Book of Daniel). The Babylonian Talmud was written by Iraqi Jews in Iraq. And even the Lord Jesus Christ spoke Aramaic, the language of the ancient Iraqis and modern-day Chaldeans and Assyrians.

[@dikushnukenjeh9072]

The TaImud is one of the main sources of the unprecedented EVlL we see and experience first hand in current times.

[@kukuruku4697]

Sorry, but according to my knowledge, theccurrent Arab Iraq was carved out of Arabia by the British and does not have much in common with ancient Mesopotamia, Babylon etc., not the same languages, same religion, culture etc, except it is the same region. Not, to minimise the ancient Arab Islamic historical impact, but if the Mongol empire had persisted until today, they would be claiming ownership on Babylon, Mesopotamia, etc cultures.

[@albionjq]

@@kukuruku4697 Islam is irrelevant it didn't appear till 640 AD

[@palmtreeshenanigans]

Sadly with what is happening around the world that is the most talk about when mentioning Iraq, but when you look at photos or video of the cities and countryside it looks like a modern country with amazing architecture but modern cities with modern roads and buildings everywhere, it is sad how politics can depict places completely different to what they really are. When the people take back their country one day i would hope that visitors spread the word of its beauty and how it is nowhere near as described by its enemies.

[@kukuruku4697]

@albionjq who said otherwise, and what is the connection to what I said?

[@terris.7428]

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

[@beamazed1162]

Everything must be carbon-14 tested and corroborated by multiple evidences. China’s history has been corroborated by multiple evidences

[@mikideebank3592]

“There’s usually a giraffe looking out of the window “!😀

[@jackieking1522]

Yes.. awesome. Really brilliant. I have though encountered a couple of other equally brilliant lectures.... one by Jim Mathews proving that James Clerk Maxwell is the greatest scientist ever, and the other, so long ago I forget the lecturers name but will never forget the amazing history of the Azania people of the four corners region.

[@lostonweb1]

​​@@jackieking1522 i looked for about 10 mins trying to find those lectures you were talking about, the azania people would apparently have to be from somewhere in east africa and a four corners region the only one im aware of is in the southwestern united states and i also googled the other lecture about james clerk maxwell, but couldnt find either one. Try douglas adams' lecture " parrots the universe and everything" right here on you tube.

[@billybarnes1763]

Challenge it for yourself without his "dates" as they are flawed. See what you come up with. Don't be deceived.

[@LostAnFound]

That is the coolest thing I’ve ever heard: I picked up the cuneiform tablet and proceeded to read it.

[@ulriklange3924]

He is in my team, for quiz night 😁

[@ryuhjnyguh6404]

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.

[@erickramirez8428]

Copy🐱

[@elainegroom1989]

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

[@valldove6615]

Hey beautiful queen lady

[@amberh4205]

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

[@rachelsanger8629]

What a phenomenal and glorious example of British humour and scholarship. Thank you.

[@alanjameson8664]

I should have greatly enjoyed being one of the Americans he allegedly chased after to explain that the bit about the heads of departments arriving at the museum on elephants was not true. The comedic possibilities of understanding that it was a joke in the first place and pretending to believe it despite all claims to the contrary are pure gold.

[@gregbellinger5765]

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

[@gaborzoltai6965]

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

[@giovannisantostasi9615]

Me too.

[@Sanad974]

Lol it happens. I would also like to share with you all a very important video imo kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKnRdKmInrmhmqc

[@michaeldougherty6036]

His quick American accent was quite on point.

[@4thorder]

@@michaeldougherty6036 as an American I can confirm this lol

[@beamazed1162]

Does he have any writings on cuneiform dictionary grammar? Cuneiform characters can only be understood by himself, so can people who read his books not understand it? This shows that he is a fake, a fake person!

[@davexb6595]

I'm in my fifties but when I grow up I'd like to be able to give talks like Dr. Finkel.

[@calvinmyers5085]

Lol👍

[@markdoldon8852]

Hows the beard coming along?

[@julianwaugh968]

I do hope you do. Keep an open mind, by all means study religions but don't believe them. Learn at least one other language and read,read read,it focuses the mind that TV won't do. I wish you great success, if you have this guy as your north star you are already on the right track.

[@weme11]

@@julianwaugh968 Study religion but dont believe them? I can see close mindedness here.

[@marilyntape508]

It’s never too late 😊👍🇦🇺

[@pstewart5443]

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.

[@mnomadvfx]

@Al Kotov I'm sure that the OP meant something more appropriate to the subject matter. This stuff is basically a Sumerian/Akkadian/Old Babylonian precursor to a Hebrew Torah narrative element. Not history per se but almost certainly a narrative influenced by history - likely the legacy of several Euphrates and/or Tigris flood events blended into one story with mythological justifications and explanations.

[@edwardhanson3664]

@generalframework You can lead a fool to knowledge, but you can't make him think.

[@snafu2350]

I had a similar experience with my A-lv maths tutor: a fascinating guy with many stories & anecdotes to tell, often humorous. Sadly I spent so much time listening to his stories that I failed abysmally in the exams :((

[@semaj_5022]

@generalframework The name of the story is "Atra-Hasis" or the "Epic of Atrahasis," though can be found in slightly differing form (a few name and date changes and prose alterations) within the "Epic of Gilgamesh." The oldest copies of parts of the Atra-Hasis flood story we have date to the mid/late 1600's BCE, but many other copies exist from then through the 1st millennium BCE. The Gilgamesh version's oldest form we have dates to the 7th century BCE, but the Epic of Gilgamesh itself is present in part from a tablet dated to the 18th century BCE. There are countless papers published on both in myriad journals and would be nearly effortless to find with a quick Google.

[@luarchitect-iu2hq]

Finkel is the gold standard for combining superlative scholarship and sheer entertainment.

[@jimpalmer2981]

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.

[@egemensentin]

As a descendant of Noah, he should live until 950!

[@beamazed1162]

Does he have any writings on cuneiform dictionary grammar? Cuneiform characters can only be understood by himself, so can people who read his books not understand it? This shows that he is a fake, a fake person!

[@suzbone]

​@@beamazed1162what? Who told you he's the only person who can read cuneiform?

[@beamazed1162]

@@suzbone drop me a link to a grammar book that translates cuneiform grammar into English, and I will also translate the content on the mud board.

[@kevwhufc8640]

​@@beamazed1162 your online on utube asking questions about things you can find the answers for if you Google your questions. A quick answer, yes , men have been studying and translating cuneiform for around 150 years.. Go look at some examples of cuneiform translated into English .

[@MIchlas]

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

[@SolaceEasy]

Tedious.

[@jozefkovac6858]

James Rendi vibes.

[@dakotathacker3821]

Same

[@fredsimmons2793]

What a precious soul is Irving Finkel.What substance he gives.

[@TheMuseumGuyIsrael]

Irvin Finkel is always a pleasure to listen to. His vast knowledge is only second to his superb delivery

[@bluecollarmom7341]

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

[@keepinganopenmind8216]

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 ~!

[@KristiContemplates]

Be on the lookout for Nicholas Cage

[@motherofcatsnz]

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

[@inoshikachokonoyarobakayar2493]

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.

[@veronicaroach3667]

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 !

[@DiddleyBoh]

You've got the remind part backwards.

[@kevwhufc8640]

​@@veronicaroach3667 because of my dads job ( professional footballer) we moved around England & I had a few different schools ( during the 60s and 70s) Teachers who bring the subject alive who capture the imagination are worth their weight in Gold. And are quite rare ..

[@bonniebonnie9388]

That's amazing to have gleaned so much from your teachers and created a life of learning absolutely beautiful t​@@veronicaroach3667

[@MrUSO36]

Irving is a incredible being, I appreciate him.

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

This man has to be the best storyteller that ever lived. He's a real joy to listen to.

[@kwaitefuni9152]

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.

[@AlbinovSK]

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

[@certifiedalienist492]

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-oe2qp]

@@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-oe2qp Aurora, your satire is quite funny. Thank you.

[@aryehlevine8677]

@@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]

@@aryehlevine8677 Aryeh, God calls Atheists "fools".

[@iancook7782]

This guy is s legend, if school teachers were like him more kids would enjoy learning. He's like a stand-up lecturer he's got a way of educating you while making you laugh not realising how much of lesson you've just been privileged to be part of. Need to find more of his lectures/work known of his name through other great minds like his just never clicked on a video until now idk I've been missing out 😂

[@dawnjackson6741]

Wishful thinking….I can tell you have never taught in urban classrooms.😢

[@edwardhanson3664]

Fascinating. I love his humor,. Mr. Finkel is a gifted speaker.

[@Glenn-F-Rice]

I came to hear him speak after watching him play the board game from UR.

[@Astronomikat]

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

[@slappy8941]

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.

[@simplycy919]

He was talking about pornhub

[@jeremiahwilliams6940]

Agree

[@TheMegadethMonk]

@@slappy8941 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.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

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

[@markdoldon8852]

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.

[@ordanburdan9397]

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

[@patthecat6491]

"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.

[@juangalindoeguiarte9913]

@@ordanburdan9397 what a nasty comment, you're not automatically mature if you don't like humor. Let people enjoy learning however they want.

[@rhondasisco-cleveland2665]

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

[@supergeek1418]

That was absolutely the *shortest* 58 minute video that I have ever watched. *THANK YOU VERY MUCH* !!!

[@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.

[@z.s.n.]

What a treat to have this randomly selected for me by the All Powerful Algorithm.

[@arnovandermerwe1893]

All hail

[@MsKariSmith]

A very admirable professor, always interesting & a joy to hear his talks.

[@andytrimble1392]

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.

[@johncollins211]

how popular is this guy in england? even though hes the worlds expert on cuneiform script i feel like most people dont know him. this man is an international treasure. he dedicated his entire life to helping the human race understand its origins more clearly. i sure hope hes got a protégé. the importance of people like him cannot be understated. this man dedicated his life to something he knew he may never make any real money in. im sure he does well now but he didnt know he would the top guy when he decided to study cuneiform. its weird because in america the culture is you study whats going to make you alot of money. the idea of studying cuneiform in college is laughable by most people in this country everyone will tell you that your wasting your money studying an ancient dead language. if your not going into med law or finance then your wasting your education lol. dr finkel is a real hero without people like him parts of history can be lost forever and thats an absolute tradegy. the biggest question to any human should be how did i get here?

[@kevwhufc8640]

I agree he should be known to more people than he is. Like many historical academics, he doesn't earn much Youd be surprised. He does it for the love for the passion , he could earn more if he left the British museum and went on tour earning money from his lectures .

[@ajbryce]

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

[@suzettecalleja3122]

It's always a joy to listen to Dr. Finkle. ❤😊

[@dawnwheeler8861]

The best lecture I've ever watched. History with humour. What a genius of a man

[@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.

[@laulaja-7186]

Stable career as a professor, and comedy to liven it up. Sounds like a winning combination to me!

[@Quasihamster]

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.

[@outsidechambaz]

@@ezicarus8216 thats hilarious if true

[@paulleach3612]

Ah, The Book of Dave hypothesis...

[@patriciaoudart1508]

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.🙏🧡💚

[@Thehermitist]

I’m so happy u get to feel close to ur ancestors and beautiful history history like this pretty awesome ❤

[@strangetranceoffaith]

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

[@89volvowithlazers]

Thankyou for posting Dr Finkle, you are amazing

[@BristolPeterUK]

Brilliant lecture - it is very rare to find someone who can be so knowledgeable and passionate about a subject and can communicate that love, with humour, in a way that people can understand.

[@michaelhoughton4868]

This is such a fun, nerdy watch. One of my favorite varieties of human is adorably funny, middlingly cantankerous, beardy old British scientists. He’s seriously hilarious in the nerdiest way. I had zero expectation of watching a full hour lecture on the Babylonian flood story, or the gonzo archaeology of building something from the description in an ancient cuneiform table. But 5 minutes in, I was hooked by his style, and the deeply fascinating info he’s presenting. With seriously minimal slides, he leads you through one of the best documentaries I’ve experienced in a while, especially since so much is theater of the mind. I think it would work well as a podcast, just occasionally glancing at his new slides, or appreciating his majestic, flowing eyebrows (and beard). And I’m totally looking up more lectures by Irving Finkel.

[@jeanfatale]

Nah, not nerdy. You don't have to have some special interest or knowledge to like and understand this lecture. Seems to me this nerd romanticism says more about how certain people want to present themselves as special than about their actual interests.

[@tizamira]

@@jeanfatale OP is calling Finkel nerdy, not the watchers. Talking about ancient Babylonian text about a prototype story for the Noah's ark story strikes me as nerdy. Being a curator and studying assyriology strikes me as nerdy

[@tati001]

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

[@wrdennig]

History from a stand-up comedian . . . what a joy!

[@gerdfehlbaum7059]

Wonderful story ! I had a company, called Noah's of Switzerland. I lived along the backwaters of Kerala - where this arc was built - I am a sailor and feel enlightened by such a nice man talking about. About familiar places and ideas. I always thought of noahs arch being a good idea. An old childish picture which follows thyrough my life, by living on a boat. What I think was not mentioned was, that this type of boats are in general use all over the backwaters of Kerala. I have seen them daily in 2012-13, when I visited India with my own boat. Coming from New Zealand. I have very much enjoyed my excursions within this magic and surprisingly natural wonder of the world, called Backwaters of Kerala. Go there, if you have a chance! Incredible India!

[@uiPublic]

More congruently maybe that Backwater boats are wooden but fastened by coir ropes if Iraqi carocles built conversely? Yet it's interestingly curious if not arcs actually made lighter with Mesopotamian dry reeds not coconut ropes more heavy! At the same time ancients had reached American coast either floating indefinitely thanks only to our ancestor Noah's narrator...

[@jabrown]

What happened to your company?

[@RobertKaucher]

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.

[@littlemama3957]

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

[@marilyntape508]

😊👍🇦🇺

[@debsylvester2012]

Without a doubt, one of the top three lecturers I have ever heard. Wow! What a great guy! Thank you. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@rationalviking3013]

Fantastic! This man is my new hero, I mean, he is exactly who I want to be, a cross between Richard Dawkins and Douglas Adams. I have a bachelors degree in biology because of Dawkins, and a master's in science communication largely because of Adam's. I've been actively trying to find that voice for 5 years, and then this magical man just appears in my news feed from somewhere I'm not even subscribed to. Makes me think it's time to create a fresh account, because Google has even started to figure out my private hopes and dreams that I don't talk about and write pen on paper. Or perhaps im not as unique and special as I believe myself to be, making me easily predictable to the algorithm. Why does that make me feel so bad? Anyway, I'm trying to get across that I'm genuinely pleased to have found this character but uneasy about how he ended up finding me.

[@nordattack]

Actually, I think he is Noah, still alive, trying to put us off the track so we don't discover his secret.

[@applemauzel]

Naw, we already concluded that he is a wizard, likely merlin.

[@Lodinn]

@@applemauzel So the Merlin is the descendant of Noah? ...Come to think of it, it does make sense that whoever he is he'd be a descendant of Noah.

[@lewisham]

MrLodinn isn’t everyone?

[@dorothysalomons6136]

@@lewisham LOL

[@johnwalker1553]

Rather Albus Dumbledore.

[@rblibit]

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.

[@bswantner2]

I was getting distinct hints of Sir Terry Pratchett.

[@rajidahae4220]

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

[@funniebunnie4u]

What a LEGEND. Wonderful new information, from an eloquent and interesting scholar. What a treat! Loved it ALL!💕💕💕

[@jimruegg1675]

hands down best lecture ive watched on youtube. i would work for dr. finkel for free just to absorb his knowledge and coolness.

[@user-sc2jz9ng6k]

Another gem is 'A Tribute to Euler' by William Dunham. Exciting lectures are certainly few and far between.

[@laurafeher9694]

And I shall sweep the area you work in and absorb the scraps of knowledge

[@billhart9832]

I should have read the comments before nearly plagiarising yours, 2 years later!

[@aprylvanryn5898]

You should see the actual documentary he's lecturing about. It's brilliant.

[@johaquila]

@@user-sc2jz9ng6k I have just watched that based on your recommendation. It's a great talk, but I think you really need to be mathematically minded to enjoy it. I'm actually a mathematician myself, but I enjoyed Irving Finkel's talk a lot more. Maybe if Euler lived today and gave a talk on a popular subject it would be on similar level.

[@awickedqueenytid]

Irving Finkel is a national treasure, its a good thing he works in the museum :)

[@alzmcfluffy]

What an absolutely brilliant speaker Dr. Finkel is! Loved listening to his lecture.

[@BradGryphonn]

I'm late for the show but yep, this lecture is brilliant!

[@arcanics1971]

What a fantastic lecture. I only meant to watch the first few minutes and suddenly it was ending- and that too soon!

[@richardwendling4030]

when having fun

[@pvsutton3126]

I haven't scrutinised all 2,00 and counting comments, but there is one point I haven't seen raised. this man sounds very like Terry Pratchett - same accent, same pitch, same intonation, same way of delivering a joke. Also same academic dottiness which Pratchett could produce. Missing you Sir Terry.

[@clareryan2640]

Dead right, always thought the same😝

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

I had the opportunity to meet Terry Pratchett in the early 90s--he was guest of honor at Capricon 13, held near Chicago (can't remember the name of the town, or the venue right now). Unfortunately, I didn't know he'd be there, so I didn't take my copy of The Color of Magic with, to get an autograph. Also unfortunate, was that I didn't get to hear him speak much. This was before I'd found more of the Discworld books, so I was under the impression that it was a one-off...so glad it wasn't.

[@saddingus7850]

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.

[@johnmanno2052]

He is absolutely brilliant. This was absolutely brilliant.

[@GryphonArmorer]

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.

[@richardwendling4030]

AMEN!

[@bruderk4257]

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

[@antonmcesaro]

Just found 2 years after publish. Good lecture and Irving is great at throwing in some comedy. Very informative and entertaining.

[@ExperiencedGhost]

Only his information is not completely correct, he keeps referring to Atra-Hasis while the Epic of Gilgamesh is older and the measurements of the boat on that tablet was damaged and not readable at all. Noah's name was Utnapishtim though on that tablet. But a copy from that same period was found and it told the story about the flood and a man. The part that described the measurements and how to build it was complete. He never build the boat all by himself but with skilled workmen. Why Irving Finkel keeps saying that Enki told Atra-Hasis about the flood I don't know because Enki never mentioned the name Atra-Hasis. He told about the flood but did not used that name. Also, there's even an older tablet that was found then the Epic of Gilgamesh from the Nagas civilization but it was damaged severely. But enough was left to know that it was about a flood and a man.

[@usaturnuranus]

Well praise be to my personal deity, this was one entertaining and absorbing presentation. Right up to the end where he "dovetails" the bird story into the perfect finale.

[@nellfithen5683]

His humour is genius because he is funny enough that you are always listening for another good punchline, and thus you are ALWAYS LISTENING

[@albertl7872]

This gentleman is an excellent orator and explains things in a way that's interesting and intriguing! Thank you!

[@fig4159]

Don't forget funny!!!!

[@lindayoung3228]

Which of Noah's sons was Asian? Which of Noah's sons was Black? Hmmm - there's is a story of the Flood in each culture though . . .

[@loveandllife]

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

[@fausto104]

I saw this documentary years ago, so it was nice to see this and get the complete story around it. Doc. has a very smooth and funny delivery made this truly enjoyable to watch.

[@geoffreyraleigh1674]

I always love listening to Dr. Finkel. Thank you for the opportunity to subscribe.

[@craftwizrd]

character,class,and wisdom

[@briananderson2219]

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

[@johnmel9456]

This is the proper way for a lecturer to engage an audience.... brilliantly done ....

[@knzjvmatc-366]

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

[@allthingspaw]

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

[@Valkyrieslikemead]

So, I love this man and I have to watch every lecture he has ever given, now.

[@GCAT-zv9in]

e with math I would suggest studying the golden ratio or FiDid you watch other lectres I am about to when I have time. I wonder i he has any DMT experiences or i he practices psychic viewing. He looks like an elder Russel Brand. I he is uncomfortable with math, I would suggest studying the golden ratio nor Fibonacci's sequence , it made math FB come alive for me . Now for some rock and roll... I am off try o my garden. I better make a memo to myself to give Irving Finkle a closer look.

[@morgansidhe6399]

I discovered him as of today, and I've watched three lectures already, subscribed, and have another three lectures in the queue. I'm searching for more.

[@Valkyrieslikemead]

@GCAT 1.618 I am just now seeing this comment and I love it! I bet he has tried DMT. All of us who are SEEKING do so. I know I have and will again! Math is difficult for me, but I feel I am called to understand sacred geometry. Therefore, I MUST OVERCOME!!! MUCH LOVE, DEAR ONE!

[@kel6385]

I love this guy 🤣🤣🤣 Amazing man I could listen to him for hours and hours.

[@billdale1]

I am fully non-religious, but fully enjoyed your talk, sir!

[@seraphimmarysantiago8011]

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.

[@michealfreeman9714]

It's not Noah's ark

[@LibertyPr1me]

@@michealfreeman9714 it’s what the story was based on you pedant

[@semaj_5022]

Babylonian ark. *Babylonian.* Sumerian or Akkadian ark would also be acceptable.

[@NDRonin1401]

hearing this guy's life stories, it turns out curator is a more exciting job than James Bond

[@MrEndoftheRoadRC]

Dr. Henry Walton Jones, Jr.

[@grantwalker7124]

End of the Road RC It belongs in a museum!

[@TheJohnnyCalifornia]

Honestly, the hero in Dan Brown’s potboilers should look like this fella more than Tom Hanks

[@alexandrumoise1511]

It is, for a curator.

[@DigitalDuelist]

Very much agreed!

[@leaguemastergg3647]

I love the way this man explains everything.

[@mperhaps]

The earlier Mesopotamian accounts included not only an apocalyptic flood and a guy, tipped off by a god, who saves himself, his family, and the world's creatures by building a ship, but also specific details, such as the dispatching of a raven and a dove in search of land, the grounding of the ark atop a mountain.

[@WarrenPostma]

What’s the date of the earliest account?

[@rtu9734]

Makes you wonder how many original stories the bible has

[@4thorder]

Just an amazing lecture. I now have a new research project - not about boats but this amazing gentleman.

[@darkregions]

From the south of Iraq... great lecture and sense of humour. Thank you. How much bitumen did you need again?

[@sabastiankilgore781]

Dr. Irving is one of the most engaging speakers I've seen. Always love his lectures

[@dweamy1]

I loved listening and watching Mr Finkel speak! More of his lectures please!

[@timbarton6145]

That is probably the most interesting and enjoyable lectures I have ever listened to.

[@granddame1000]

this man is a blast to watch loved his lecture

[@racbirsingh7005]

love the part about the doors were made for Rages to go to work on Elephants. Bible Ark all around the World

[@tommcdaniel2208]

Too right!

[@Matteus733]

Agreed

[@Prometeusz]

ahh , a lot of blabla and exaggeration in humour in academic style - too much words to communicate simple and concrete information

[@Prometeusz]

so to speak 'puring water' - "lanie wody" po polsku

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

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

[@AirvacaRanger]

A master class in British humor!

[@Mario2M]

😂this guy is so amusing, i could listen to him all day with his humor

[@jacintaanderson]

He has such a great way of talking. Such a pleasure to listen too

[@KevlarTeaBag]

I love where I end up when I go down my KZbin's "suggested" rabbit hole. Lol what an adventure! Great storytelling from a great man. Bravo!

[@SierraNovemberKilo]

What a delightful man. Fabulous lecture/reminiscences.

[@martingoldfire]

One of the best things to ever enter my eyes and ears, what an amazing man, an absolute treasure👏👌👍

[@mnemosyne6620]

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