3,800-year-old letter shows woman's anger over unpaid silver debt

A letter written by an ancient Anatolian woman named Anna-anna has been revealed after nearly 4,000 years. In it, she describes her efforts to recover silver owed to her husband, Ennum-Aššur, by a debtor named Laqēpum. The tablet had remained unread until researchers applied advanced technology that allowed them to read its contents without damaging it. The find offers a rare, personal glimpse into the financial dealings and domestic tensions of that era. Researchers say it highlights how ancient correspondence can illuminate both economic life and everyday emotions.