Syria's discovery may rewrite the history of the alphabet
The discovery of clay cylinders in Syria could completely change the history of alphabetic writing. Scientists suggest that this form of writing might be older than previously thought, by as much as 500 years.
2:11 PM EST, November 27, 2024
This recent archaeological find could revolutionize our understanding of the history of alphabetic writing. A team from Johns Hopkins University discovered clay cylinders in a Syrian tomb that may contain some of the world's oldest alphabetic inscriptions.
According to the Newsweek, these cylinders, dated to around 2400 BC, predate other known alphabetic writings by approximately 500 years. This finding is significant because it challenges existing views on the origin and spread of alphabets. As Professor Glenn Schwartz highlights, alphabets revolutionized writing, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Professor Schwartz, a specialist in Middle Eastern archaeology, conducted research in Umm-al Marra, one of the first medium-sized urban centers in western Syria. In the tomb, alongside six skeletons and jewelry, four clay cylinders with alphabetic writing were uncovered. The age of these artifacts was confirmed through radiocarbon dating.
The archaeologists discovered that the design of these cylinders is perforated, suggesting they might have been used as labels to describe the contents of vessels or their owner. Professor Schwartz speculates that without the ability to translate the writing, their exact purpose remains a mystery.
New theories on the origin of the alphabet
Until now, it was believed that the alphabet originated in Egypt or its vicinity after 1900 BC. However, the discoveries in Syria indicate that its history might be more complex than previously thought. The alphabet not only appears older than initially believed but also may have originated from an entirely different region. Professor Schwartz emphasizes that these new findings could alter our understanding of the alphabet's origin and its impact on early urban civilizations.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University, in collaboration with scholars from the University of Amsterdam under Professor Schwartz's leadership, have been conducting research in the ancient city of Umm-al Marra for 16 years. The tomb where the cylinders were found likely belonged to a royal family, as suggested by the numerous riches discovered within.
This discovery, as reported by theScienceBlog, may be crucial in understanding how early societies communicated and developed their writing systems.
