FRANÇOIS DESSET
French archaeologist and linguist, specializing in the ancient Near East. My research focuses on Linear Elamite and Proto-Elamite scripts, the Elamite language, and the Jiroft civilization.
Research
University of Liège – University of Tehran – Archéorient, Lyon (UMR 5133)
Areas of Expertise
Ancient and contemporary Near East – Archaeology – Languages and scripts of the Near East
Decipherment
of linear elamite script
Decipherment of the third script dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, following the 19th century decipherments of Egyptian hieroglyphs and Mesopotamian cuneiform.
📜The essentials
Period
2800–1880 BCE
Method
Historical and linguistic knowledge of the Elamite period and language
Publication
🌍Impact
This discovery significantly changes the history of writing in the world and enriches knowledge of the Elamite civilization and its language.
Discover here the Linear Elamite texts.ARTE Documentary
In Search of the Forgotten Writing
The history of the decipherment of linear Elamite writing, passing through Paris, Liège, London, Bologna, Susa and Tehran, by François DESSET; co-directed by Negar Zoka and Thibaud Marchand
53 minutes
September 27, 2025
Resources & Media
Discover my publications, video lectures, and podcasts on the archaeology and civilizations of the ancient Near East.
Blog Articles
Notes and reflections on Eastern civilizations (or other topics)
Video Lectures
Presentations at symposia or during conferences
Podcasts
Discussions with podcast authors
Works
Production intended for the scientific community and the general public
In the Press
Mentions of my work in the international press and media