The Origin of the Alphabet: some engraved symbols from the Neolithic period in Southeast Europe
Abstract
Most or nearly all alphabetic scripts used worldwide today go back to the Semitic proto-alphabet. Its first origins can be traced back to a proto-Sinatic script developed in ancient Egypt to represent the language of Semitic-speaking workers and slaves in Egypt. The oldest examples are found as graffiti in the Wadi el Hol and date to perhaps 1850 BC. On the other hand, we present some engraved Neolithic artefacts from the Vinča civilization around 6000 BC, namely the Spondylus shell from Mostonga, the round tablet from Tărtăria, the black spindle from Turdaș, the piece of amphora from Lozna, and some Neolithic potteries from Parța and Bulgaria, which, in our opinion, contain sacred symbols. The deciphered messages of the presented Neolithic artefacts are outstanding because they represent the first evidence that a Neolithic culture knew about the slight change at the beginning of the seasons (precession). They discovered that some ecliptic constellations can be used to mark a given period. The refinement of calendars (timekeeping) and the symbols and signs on archaeological artefacts demonstrated the importance of astronomy in ancient cultures. The results show that with the spread of these sacred-celestial symbols, the foundations of the pre-writing were determined, i.e., over time, rudimentary letters could develop from the shape of constellations. Besides, these symbols could evolve into the Semitic proto-alphabet. Further, these precious Neolithic findings can be interpreted as instruments for measuring astronomical phenomena to obtain a calendar date. Consequently, the great minds preserved their knowledge of astronomy with the help of engraved amulets during rituals.
- Publication:
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7th International Conference in Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- July 2023
- Bibcode:
- 2023aasp.confE...3S
- Keywords:
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- archaeoastronomy;
- symbol;
- sign;
- pre-writing;
- Danube script;
- Mostonga;
- Tartaria;
- Turdas;
- Lozna;
- Parta;
- Slatino