22.11.2024 15:51
The inscriptions on clay cylinders found in Syria have been determined to date back to 2400 BC. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University announced that these inscriptions are 500 years older than other known alphabets. Previously, it was believed that the alphabet emerged in Egypt around 1900 BC. This discovery necessitates a reevaluation of the history of writing in humanity.
Archaeologists have made a very important discovery in Syria. The writings found on finger-sized clay cylinders have been recorded as the oldest known example of an alphabet discovered so far.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have determined that these writings, believed to date back to 2400 BC, are 500 years older than other known alphabets.
Archaeologist Glenn Schwartz, who is leading the excavation work, emphasized that this discovery is significant enough to require us to rewrite the history of writing. Previously, it was thought that the alphabet emerged in Egypt around 1900 BC.
In the tomb found in the Tell Umm-el Marra region, along with the written cylinders, six skeletons, valuable jewelry, and various items were also uncovered. However, the meaning of the writings on the cylinders has not yet been deciphered. Experts believe that these were likely used as labels.
Researchers determined the age of the clay cylinders using carbon dating. This discovery shows that humanity began using writing and communication technologies much earlier than previously thought.