X-ray scanner reveals secrets of ancient cuneiform letters

Scientists have created a special X-ray machine that can read ancient letters written in a script called cuneiform.

These letters are over 4,000 years old and come from places like Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.

The letters were wrapped in clay envelopes, and before, people had to break these envelopes to read the letters inside.

This often damaged the letters.

The new X-ray machine can read the letters without breaking the envelopes, which is great because it keeps the ancient artefacts safe.

The machine can even tell the difference between different people's handwriting.

The scientists have used this machine in museums in France, Germany, and Turkey and have read over 100 letters.

These letters tell us about daily life and the relationships between men and women a long time ago.

For example, they talk about a merchant getting textiles and a woman trying to pay a debt for her husband who was away.

This new technology is a big step forward because it lets scientists read these ancient letters without harming them.