Ancient script discovery in Syria rewrites the alphabet’s origin
The discovery of clay cylinders in Syria could entirely reshape the history of alphabetic writing, suggesting it may date back 500 years earlier than previously believed.
This new archaeological find in Syria promises to transform our understanding of the origins of alphabetic writing. A team from Johns Hopkins University has uncovered clay cylinders in a Syrian tomb that may bear some of the world's oldest alphabetic inscriptions.
According to the Newsweek, the cylinders, dated to around 2400 BC, antedate other known alphabetic scripts by approximately 500 years. This breakthrough is immensely significant for archaeologists as it challenges prevailing theories about the origins and dissemination of alphabets. Prof. Glenn Schwartz emphasises that alphabets revolutionised communication, making writing accessible to broader social groups.
Prof. Schwartz, an expert in Near Eastern archaeology, led excavations in Umm-el Marra, an early medium-sized urban centre in western Syria. The tomb, containing six skeletons, jewellery, and four clay cylinders with alphabetic writing, was dated using radiocarbon analysis.
The archaeologists found that the cylinders have a perforated structure, indicating they might have served as labels, potentially identifying the contents of vessels or their owners. Prof. Schwartz notes that without a working translation, the exact purpose of these inscriptions remains speculative.
New theories about the origin of the alphabet
It was previously thought that the alphabet originated in Egypt or its vicinity after 1900 BC. However, findings in Syria suggest a more complex history. The alphabet appears not only older than assumed but may also have emerged from a different region entirely. Prof. Schwartz highlights the potential of these discoveries to alter our perception of alphabetic origins and their impact on early urban societies.
The ancient city of Umm-el Marra in western Syria has been the focus of research by scientists from Johns Hopkins University, alongside collaborators from the University of Amsterdam, led by Prof. Schwartz, for 16 years. The tomb, where these alphabetic cylinders were found, likely belonged to royalty, as suggested by the wealth uncovered within.
As reported by the ScienceBlog, this discovery could be pivotal in understanding the development of communicative systems and writing in early societies.
