Here's a breakdown of the key figures:
* Early Beginnings: While not a complete translation, the earliest known attempts to understand cuneiform came from the 17th century with Jesuit missionaries in Persia. They recognized the writing system as a form of script, but couldn't decipher it fully.
* The Key Breakthrough: Henry Rawlinson is credited with the first major breakthrough in the 19th century. He painstakingly copied and deciphered the Behistun Inscription, a trilingual inscription in cuneiform, Old Persian, and Elamite. He was able to use the Old Persian script, which he already understood, to decipher the cuneiform text.
* Building upon the Discovery: Rawlinson's work paved the way for other scholars like George Smith, Edward Hincks, and Julius Oppert to make significant contributions to understanding cuneiform. They worked on different aspects of the language, such as grammar, vocabulary, and the various forms of cuneiform writing.
* The Importance of Collaboration: It's important to remember that the translation of cuneiform wasn't a solitary effort. Scholars worked together, shared their findings, and built upon each other's work. This collaborative approach was crucial in achieving the monumental task of deciphering the ancient writing system.
Therefore, while Rawlinson is often credited with the key breakthrough, it's important to acknowledge the many scholars who played a crucial role in understanding and translating cuneiform.