Search Signs

The Cuneiform Dictionary -TCD- applies the power of modern computers to the ancient written languages based on the cuneiform writing. TCD uses a new, unique approach to the sign search: you simply need to draw a partial and rough shape of a sign.
That's all.

You no longer need to count the wedges of a sign, or judge if a wedge is before or after another one. You do not need to draw the entire sign: only two or three wedges are usually enough for locating it.
You can select any wedge of the sign you look for. There is no left-to-right or top-to-bottom order. You could choose a wedge from the middle, one from the top, and so on.

So, you can even find broken signs in few seconds: just draw the 'visible' part of the broken sign. TCD takes care of the rest.

You need not to be an epigraphist. TCD 'watches' the signs in the same way you do it. TCD does not need a perfect shape: just draw a quick scribble. TCD uses a complex Artificial Intelligence engine that looks for similarities much like a trained Scribe!

TCD is very easy. Let us only say this: Massimo Pompeo's 14-years old nephew found the Ur-III NI sign copying it from his history schoolbook in 20 seconds. For a casualty, he saw TCD and said "I have already seen such things!".

TCD Usage

You draw with the mouse few wedges of the sign that you search on the Sign Panel. While you draw, TCD searches the most similar signs to the one one you are drawing, and list them by their similarity to such shape*. The Result Panel shows the signs that are more similar to the one you draw - and does this while you draw, in real-time.

You can see a full snapshot of a TCD Search by clicking the small image below:

TCD contains a full tutorial, with over 30 search examples: you should follow it carefully.

In addition, it is possible to add new sign templates to the dictionary’s database, thus letting it grow for every added sign. These new signs will be shared among all the dictionary users, thanks to new dictionary releases.

Main Advantages

Find any sign in few seconds.
Easiness of use.
Can locate broken signs or fragments (do not need a full shape for searches).
Language Independent Dictionary (Akkadian, Hittite, Sumerian...).
Large database of signs.
Users can submit new signs, increasing the shared sign database.
Akkadian readings are fully supported.

Search a Sign Now!

You can search a cuneiform sign by installing the free TCD trial. On-line searches would require huge machine power.

Downloads

Buy Now

You can purchase safely a license of our interactive dictionary, TCD, at our purchase page.

*TCD uses a fairly more complex AI than common OCR software. It was judged 'impossible' about 15 years ago by a staff of qualified engineers.