A team from Johns Hopkins University has made a groundbreaking discovery in Syria that’s rewriting the history of alphabetic writing. The researchers found finger-length clay cylinders etched with what appears to be the oldest alphabet in human history, dating back approximately 2400 BCE.
This incredible finding challenges existing theories about the origins of alphabets and how they were adopted by early societies. According to Professor Glenn Schwartz, one of the lead researchers, “Alphabets revolutionized writing by making it accessible to people beyond royalty and the socially elite.”
The discovery was made at Tell Umm-el Marra, an early urban center in Western Syria, where a group of archaeologists embarked on a 16-year excavation journey. Among the tombs found were six individuals buried with gold and silver jewelry, cookware, a spearhead, and intact pottery vessels. Four clay cylinders, etched with alphabetic writing, were also discovered.
The researchers used advanced carbon-14 dating techniques to confirm the ages of the tombs, artifacts, and writing. The discovery shifts our understanding of the origins of alphabetic writing, hinting at an entirely different narrative.
The importance of this finding lies in its implications for communication systems and literacy. Alphabetic writing simplified communication, making it more accessible to wider populations. This democratization of writing could have been a pivotal factor in advancing trade, governance, and cultural exchanges among early civilizations.
The discovery of the oldest known alphabet in Syria has significant implications beyond archaeology. Linguists, historians, and technology researchers can gain insights into the roots of structured communication systems. Understanding the origins of the alphabet also helps contextualize its influence on modern languages and scripts, illustrating its role as a building block for contemporary literacy and education.
Image Credit: Glenn Schwartz, Johns Hopkins University
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-known-alphabet-discovered-in-syria