What the heck is that?!

Even though this clay model may be weird-looking at first when compared to a real sheep’s liver (Fig. 1), the resemblance is striking: the model shows many anatomical parts recognizable in a real liver. This clay liver model was used by the Babylonians to predict future events some 4000 years ago, and it has been preserved in a complete state. The object is about 14,6 centimeters in length, and about 14,6 centimeters wide. The model was possibly shaped by hand, because the contours of the object are not perfect and contain some dents. The notable parts of the liver were created during the shaping-process. But what are all those holes on the model? Did the ancient Babylonians perform acupuncture? Read on…