Ancient Tongues Persist: The Enduring Legacy of 11 Oldest Written Languages
Ancient Scrawls: Explore Eleven Early Manuscripts That Shaped Written Communication Throughout History
Embrace a journey through the annals of history as we delve into the 11 oldest written languages that continue to mesmerize us today. These linguistic marvels have endured centuries, not only preserving the rich heritage of civilization but also influencing modern tongues.
1. Sumerian (≈ 3,400 BCE)
Sumer, the cradle of civilization, boasts the oldest written language that still leaves a profound impact. Known for the Kish tablet, the oldest written artifact, Sumerian's existence dates back to 3,400 BCE, with the possibility of it extending to 3,500 BCE.
2. Egyptian Hieroglyphs (≈ 3,200 BCE)
The enigmatic land of wonders, Egypt, serves as the birthplace of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs around 3,200 BCE. These symbols of proto-writing evolved to carry the weight of full sentences and meaning around 2,800 BCE.
3. Akkadian (≈ 2,500 BCE)
Named after the influential ancient city of Akkad, Akkadian is the earliest Semitic language, dating back to 2,500 BCE. Historians frequently view Akkadian as a more advanced form of Sumerian due to their striking similarities and the discovery of Akkadian writing in significantly older Sumerian texts.
Notable Facts
- Sumerian, Egyptian, and several ancient Semitic languages originated during the Bronze Age.
- Some of these languages continue to be spoken today by millions worldwide, highlighting their lasting impact.
4. Mycenaean Greek (≈ 1,600 BCE)
Most Mesopotamian languages, although abundant during this era, share staggering similarities with Akkadian, making them less distinctive for our list. Mycenaean Greek, however, marks the earliest form of Greek that existed until the fall of the Mycenaean civilization. Primarily recorded as inventory lists, this ancient Greek language lacked the poetic flair and historical writings that characterized its successors.
5. Sanskrit (≈ 1,500 BCE)
A fascinating enigma, Sanskrit's earliest forms emerged around 1,500 BCE, although the advanced classical form came into play around the middle of the first millennium BCE. Sanskrit lays the foundation for numerous other scripts and has been the liturgical language of major religions such as Hinduism.
6. Old Chinese (≈ 1,250 BCE)
Boasting an incredibly complex script, historians believe that Old Chinese consisted of over 4,000 characters, only half of which have been deciphered. Oracle bone fragments from the ancient city of Yinxu serve as the earliest artifacts in Old Chinese. This written language persisted until the transition to Classical Chinese around 600 BCE.
7. Aramaic (≈ 900 BCE)
Aramaic originally served as the language of Aramean tribes before becoming the most significant language in the ancient Syrian region. Many languages adopted Aramaic's alphabet and characteristics. It is widely accepted that Aramaic was once considered a royal language, being spoken in all royal courts within the region.
8. Hebrew (≈ 900 BCE)
Though initially dismissed as a younger language compared to Aramaic, Hebrew has gained significant popularity today, being spoken by around 10 million people. Its continuous use was suspended for over a millennium before it was revived in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Israel adopts Hebrew as its official language.
9. Latin (≈ 700 BCE)
Although traditionally recognized as originating around 700 BCE, the spoken form of Latin can be traced back to the Roman founding days in 753 BCE. Despite its apparent demise as a spoken language, Latin remains essential for academic, scientific, and formal purposes.
10. Old Persian (≈ 600 BCE)
Persian stands as one of the few ancient languages still in widespread use today. Old Persian, the earliest form of Persian, emerged during the reign of the Achaemenid Empire, also known as the First Persian Empire. It persisted until it evolved into Middle Persian.
11. Tamil (≈ 400 BCE)
A remarkable milestone in linguistic history, Tamil is the only ancient language to have never ceased being used. It continues to be the primary language of the Tamil people in India and Asia overall, with over 70 million individuals speaking this old yet vibrant tongue. Unlike other ancient languages, contemporary Tamil speakers can easily comprehend the ancient forms of the language.
The rich history of 11 oldest written languages reveals their impact on modern lifestyles, reflected in home-and-garden décor with ancient artifacts such as the Kish tablet being displayed as prized pieces. Archaeology enthusiasts can explore a tangible connection to past civilizations through the study of these linguistic masterpieces, tracing humanity's origins to the cradle of civilization in Sumeria.
