Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have uncovered evidence of the oldest known alphabetic writing in human history. These inscriptions were found on finger-length clay cylinders during excavations in the ancient Syrian city of Tell Umm el-Marra.
During the excavation of an ancient tomb in Tell Umm el-Marra, a team led by Professor Glenn Schwartz discovered small clay cylinders containing alphabetic symbols. Tell Umm el-Marra, once a significant city in western Syria, is recognized as one of the earliest centers in the region.
Schwartz, an expert in ancient cities, along with researchers from the University of Amsterdam, has been excavating the site for 16 years. The work revealed tombs from the Early Bronze Age, including one of the best-preserved containing six skeletons, gold and silver jewelry, kitchenware, a spearhead, and intact clay vessels.
Near the clay vessels, researchers found four small clay cylinders, which appear to bear ancient alphabetic inscriptions. Each cylinder had a hole, and the clay was only lightly fired. Schwartz speculates that these items may have been used as labels.
The writing, dated to approximately 2400 BCE, predates other known alphabetic systems by about 500 years. According to scientists, this discovery alters perceptions of the origins of alphabets and their spread across various societies, as well as the significance of these changes for early urban civilizations.
“The cylinders were perforated, and I envision a thread tying them to another object as a label. They may describe the contents of a vessel, indicate its origin, or denote ownership,” noted Schwartz. “Without the ability to translate the inscriptions, we can only make assumptions.”
Using radiocarbon dating methods, researchers confirmed the age of the tombs, artifacts, and inscriptions.
“Previously, scholars believed that the alphabet was invented in Egypt or its vicinity after 1900 BCE,” Schwartz added. “However, our findings are older and located in a different part of the map, suggesting a completely different story of the alphabet's origin.”