Dec 9, 2024, 3:05 PM
Dec 9, 2024, 3:05 PM

Ancient tablet could rewrite history by predating known Caucasus writing

Highlights
  • In 2021, a stone tablet inscribed with an undeciphered language was discovered by fishermen in Georgia.
  • Researchers propose that the tablet's inscription could predate the earliest known evidence of writing in the region by over a millennium.
  • If confirmed as an early Georgian script, this discovery could significantly alter our understanding of the history of writing in the Caucasus.
Story

In 2021, fishermen in the Dmanisi municipality of Georgia uncovered a stone tablet featuring a mysterious and undeciphered script. This ancient artifact was embedded near Bashplemi Lake and has been subject to academic analysis from researchers in Georgia and France. The study published in the Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology proposed that the inscription might represent an early local Georgian script, potentially dating back to the Early Iron Age or even earlier, which could change the perspective on the evolution of writing in the Caucasus region. Scholars noted that while the characters on the tablet do not fully match any known scripts, they bear similarities to various scripts from the Middle East, India, Egypt, and even West Iberia. Furthermore, preliminary examinations suggested a resemblance to Bronze and Early Iron Age seals found in Georgia. The nature of these symbols, their similarities with other historical writing, and the tablet's local volcanic basalt origin imply that this script could have significant regional importance. The directionality of the inscription remains unresolved, which adds to the challenge of deciphering its meaning. Portions of the tablet have been noted as missing due to chipping, leading to the possibility that key parts of the inscription are incomplete. A mineralogical assessment indicated the use of local materials and provided insights into the technical challenges faced by the artisans who created it. The carving process appears to have employed a conic drill alongside smooth tools, suggesting a meticulous approach to inscribing this complex script. Researchers speculate that the inscription might relate to military gains, religious offerings, or significant construction projects due to the presence of numerical components. As investigations continue, artifacts like these hold the potential to significantly alter our understanding of early literacy and communication in the Caucasus. The ongoing research highlights the importance of comprehensively studying local history to uncover the secrets of ancient civilizations and their written languages.

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