About Rinus
The history of ancient civilisations is found not only in kings and monuments, but also in the people who recorded their thoughts, agreements and stories in clay.
I am Rinus van Hagen, an author and cultural historian whose work focuses on the Ancient Near East, especially Mesopotamia and cuneiform writing. My publications place historical sources in their wider linguistic, social and cultural context, making the past accessible to interested readers.
After many years devoted to research, writing and publishing, I have retired from teaching. My lessons are no longer offered, but my books and publications remain available.
Explore my books
Understanding history in context
Written sources become most meaningful when they are read alongside the societies that produced them.
Mesopotamia and cuneiform
My work explores the development of writing, Sumerian and Akkadian texts, and the political, religious and everyday worlds reflected in clay tablets. I am interested in how language, archaeology, belief and social organisation illuminate one another.
Cultural history and publications
Alongside Mesopotamia, my books address other periods and themes in cultural history, including the classical world and European history. Across these subjects, the aim is to explain historical developments carefully and accessibly, while distinguishing documented evidence from interpretation.
Research and teaching
My academic background is in cultural studies, with a special interest in historiography. I have shared my research through books and teaching; my teaching activities have now ended, while the published work remains available for readers.