It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Kazuya Maekawa, Professor Emeritus at Kyoto University, who passed away unexpectedly on September 12th at the age of 82, following an illness.

Professor Maekawa was widely respected for his extensive research on the socio-economic history of Sumer in the 3rd millennium BCE. He laid the foundation for our understanding of many fundamental issues in the field, and his findings are standing the test of time.

Among his many contributions, Professor Maekawa’s research on Sumerian agriculture revealed the remarkably high barley yield ratios in Southern Mesopotamia during the 3rd millennium BCE. He was a frequent visitor to the British Museum in London, from which he published numerous administrative documents of the Ur III period that were accompanied by his highly precise and beautiful hand-copies. He played a pivotal role in advancing Assyriology in Japan and was a constant source of encouragement and support for younger scholars.

A private funeral service was held for his family.

For a list of several of his publications, please click here.

posted by Daisuke Shibata