Scientists find ancient stone tablet with mysterious lost language in Georgia

In 2021, a significant archaeological discovery took place in Georgia, specifically at Bashplemi Lake. The find involved a mysterious stone tablet buried in lake silt, a discovery made by local fishermen during a dry season. This intriguing basalt slab features 60 characters arranged in seven rows, containing a total of 39 unique symbols. The inscriptions do not correspond to any known writing system, leading archaeologists to believe it may date back as far as 14,000 years, potentially from the late Bronze or early Iron Age. The craftsmanship evident in the tablet's inscriptions highlights an impressive level of skill. Experts identified a meticulous two-step carving process that involved drilling notches to outline each symbol followed by smoothing out the patterns with a rounded tool. This ancient technique produced distinctive curving shapes, lines, and dots, which are described by archaeologists as developed and refined for its time. While the exact origins remain uncertain, scholars noted some resemblance to Proto-Kartvelian, an ancient language believed to have preceded modern Georgian by several millennia. Additionally, some similarities have been found with seals used by officials in pre-Christian Georgia. The archaeological site of Bashplemi Lake has been a focus of recent interest due to its long history of human settlement that dates back to the early Bronze Age. Drone surveys have revealed circular patterns indicative of burial mounds, alongside geometric shapes that possibly signify ancient structures, both residential and religious in nature. Researchers also uncovered stone and obsidian tools in the area, further illustrating the region’s rich historical tapestry. Furthermore, the findings have drawn attention to ancient Greek connections, with sources noting a mysterious 'Golden Script' associated with Colchian people. The undeciphered symbols on the tablet have generated several theories regarding its potential purpose. Some researchers propose that it could document military victories, detail important construction endeavors, or even represent an offering to deities, all aligning with the notable civilization that once thrived in the Mansi municipality. Ultimately, the discovery of this ancient artifact and the ongoing research surrounding it not only enhances our understanding of the region’s historical narrative but also raises questions about the civilization that created it and its connections to broader historical contexts.