The three different Writing Systems of Ancient Anatolian languages: Cuneiform, Hieroglyphic, and Alphabetic Texts
Illustration by Dimosthenis Vasiloudis
Ancient Anatolia, a region that encompasses much of modern-day Turkey, was a vibrant mosaic of cultures and languages. The diverse linguistic landscape of Anatolia employed three distinct writing systems: cuneiform, hieroglyphic, and alphabetic scripts. These systems were instrumental in documenting the socio-political, economic, and religious aspects of various Anatolian civilizations. This article delves into the origins, characteristics, and archaeological findings associated with each writing system, highlighting their significance in the study of ancient Anatolia.
Cuneiform Script
Origins and Usage
Cuneiform script, originally developed by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia, was adopted by the Hittites, Palaic, and Luwian languages in Anatolia. This script, characterized by its wedge-shaped marks, was primarily used for administrative and monumental purposes.
Archaeological Findings
The Bogazkoy Archive of Hattusa: One of the most significant archaeological sites is Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite Empire. Excavations have unearthed numerous cuneiform tablets, including legal documents, treaties, and royal correspondence. The Hittite Law Code, discovered at Hattusa, is a vital source of information on the legal and social structures of the time.
Kültepe Tablets: Another notable site is Kültepe (ancient Kanesh), where an extensive archive of Assyrian merchant tablets has been found. These tablets provide insights into the commercial activities and interactions between the Assyrians and local Anatolian populations.
Hieroglyphic Script
Origins and Usage
The Luwian hieroglyphic script is an indigenous Anatolian script used primarily by the Luwians. It was employed for monumental inscriptions and seal impressions, often associated with official and religious contexts.
Archaeological Findings
Yazılıkaya Rock Sanctuary: Near Hattusa, the Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary features numerous hieroglyphic inscriptions depicting deities and royal figures. These inscriptions provide valuable information about Hittite religious practices and iconography.
Karatepe Bilingual Inscription: The site of Karatepe in Cilicia yielded a bilingual inscription in Phoenician and Luwian hieroglyphs. This discovery is crucial for understanding the relationship between the Luwians and the Phoenicians and for deciphering the Luwian script.
Alphabetic Script
Origins and Usage
The alphabetic script in Anatolia was used for languages such as Lycian, Lydian, Milyan, Carian, Pisidian, and Sidetic. These scripts were influenced by the Greek alphabet and were used primarily for inscriptions and official documents.
Archaeological Findings
The Xanthos Stele: One of the most important Lycian inscriptions is the Xanthos Stele, discovered in Xanthos, Lycia. This stele contains a trilingual inscription in Lycian, Greek, and Aramaic, providing a wealth of information about the linguistic and cultural interactions in the region.
Sardis Inscriptions: The ancient city of Sardis, the capital of Lydia, has yielded numerous Lydian inscriptions, including the so-called Sardis bilingual inscription. These inscriptions, often found on tombs and monuments, offer insights into the Lydian language and its script.
The Letoon Trilingual Stele: Located at the Letoon Sanctuary near the ancient city of Xanthos in present-day Turkey, the Letoon Trilingual Stele offers inscriptions in three different languages: Ancient Greek, Lycian, and Aramaic. Dating back to the 4th century BC, this inscription primarily commemorates the achievements of a local prince named Arbinas. The stele has provided scholars with crucial clues for deciphering the Lycian language.
Mylasa Inscriptions: In Caria, the city of Mylasa has produced several Carian inscriptions. These inscriptions, primarily on tombs and monuments, are crucial for understanding the Carian language and its relationship with other Anatolian languages.
The writing systems of ancient Anatolia are a testament to the region's complex and diverse cultural heritage. Cuneiform, hieroglyphic, and alphabetic scripts each played a significant role in documenting the lives and histories of the Anatolian peoples. Archaeological findings such as the Hittite tablets from Hattusa, the Yazılıkaya inscriptions, and the bilingual stele from Karatepe, along with the Lycian, Lydian, and Carian inscriptions, provide invaluable resources for understanding the ancient civilizations of Anatolia. These discoveries not only enhance our knowledge of the linguistic and cultural dynamics of the region but also underscore the importance of preserving and studying these ancient texts for future generations.