Aramaic

anuary 16–24, 2026 | Cambridge, UK

Learn to Read and Analyse Early Aramaic Texts from the First Empires

Aramaic—the administrative and diplomatic language of ancient empires—was once spoken from Egypt to Central Asia. This winter school focuses on Imperial Aramaic, the language of the Achaemenid bureaucracy and one of the earliest standardized written Semitic forms. Long overshadowed by its Christian successors, Imperial Aramaic remains essential for understanding the development of Jewish literature, early Semitic literacy, and cross-cultural textual transmission in the ancient Near East.

Designed for students with at least one year of Biblical Hebrew, this course offers a rare chance to build foundational skills in reading early Aramaic inscriptions and manuscripts—many of which are understudied or only recently made accessible.

What You’ll Learn

Imperial Aramaic Textual Practice
Read and translate key inscriptions and papyri from the Achaemenid and post-Achaemenid periods, exploring their historical and cultural contexts.

Comparative Semitics
Trace the linguistic evolution of Aramaic, from Old Aramaic inscriptions to its Imperial standardization, and compare it with Hebrew, Akkadian, and Phoenician.

Script and Scribal Culture
Develop familiarity with epigraphic forms, palaeographic variation, and the materiality of early Aramaic writing in stone and parchment.

Political and Religious Contexts
Investigate how Aramaic functioned across diverse imperial contexts, from temple communities in Egypt to administrative centers in Babylonia.

Why Join This Winter School?

Study one of the most influential ancient languages of the Near East
Gain direct experience with primary sources in Imperial Aramaic
Learn practical skills in Semitic philology and epigraphy
Work with newly published and unpublished texts
Join a vibrant international community of students and scholars

Meet Your Tutor

Dr Nathaniel Greene
After completing an undergraduate degree in biblical studies and an MDiv in Old Testament, Dr Greene undertook graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, within the former Hebrew and Semitic Studies Department. There, they focused on Northwest Semitic languages and literatures, specialising in Northwest Semitic epigraphy, palaeography, the composition history of the Deuteronomistic History, and archaic state formation.

Following doctoral studies (completed in 2018), and a year on faculty at their alma mater, Dr Greene accepted a post at Brandeis University. They joined the department in Aberdeen following the disruptions of the COVID-19 lockdowns—accompanied by Odin, their golden retriever, who remains a familiar face on campus.

Course Schedule

Arrivals: Friday, January 16 (between 11:00am–1:00pm)
Departures: Saturday, January 24 (after lunch)

Daily Timetable (January 17–23)

Time	Activity
09:00–10:00	Class 1
10:00–11:00	Guided independent study
11:00–11:30	Coffee break
11:30–12:30	Class 2
12:30–13:00	Guided independent study
13:00–14:00	Lunch
14:00–15:00	Class 3
15:00–16:30	Guided independent study

Note: There will be a half-day of teaching on January 16 and 24. No classes on Sunday, January 19.

Key Information

Accommodation
Cambridge offers a range of accommodation options. Limited on-site lodging is available at Westminster College and is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For availability and pricing, contact our accommodation team and mention the Ancient & Biblical Languages Winter School.

Cost
Fees include all teaching materials, weekday lunches, refreshments, and optional activities.

Early Bird Rate (until 31 July 2025): £550
Standard Rate (from 1 August 2025): £750

Cheshunt Bursaries
50% off for registered students or those on a low income

Early Bird with Bursary: £275
Standard Rate with Bursary: £375

Bursaries are limited and offered on a first-come basis. Please select the relevant ticket at checkout using your student email.

Refunds

Full refund available until 31 August 2025
50% refund available until 31 October 2025
No refunds from 1 November 2025 onward

Study Hours

24 hours of live instruction
24 hours of guided independent study

Travel & Parking
Travel information and parking details are available on our website — click here.

How to Book

Please book via Ticket Tailor by following this link.

Spaces are limited, and early booking is highly recommended. Once you have booked your place, you will have 7 days to pay the course fee by bank transfer to confirm your enrolment.