Lost Language Found: Mysterious Inscribed Tablet Unearthed in Georgia!
A remarkable archaeological discovery near Lake Bashplemi in Georgia's Dmanisi region has left researchers both amazed and perplexed. Unearthed from this historically rich area, a basalt tablet inscribed with 60 enigmatic symbols offers a tantalising glimpse into a possible lost script. The characters, arranged in seven precise rows, are carved with advanced tools, reflecting the skill of its ancient creators. Out of the 60 symbols, 39 are entirely unique, making the inscription unlike any previously known writing system.
Photo Credit: R. Shengelia et al., Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology (2024)
Speculation abounds about the tablet’s purpose. Could it record military victories, construction efforts, or offerings to deities? While no definitive answers have emerged, researchers note resemblances between the Bashplemi script and a wide range of ancient writing systems, including those of the Middle East, India, Egypt, and even Proto-Kartvelian symbols from Georgia itself. However, the tablet is not a replica of any known script, leading experts to believe it may represent a locally developed or unique system.
The tablet’s likely origins in the Late Bronze or Early Iron Age add to its intrigue. Pottery fragments and tools found at the site support this dating, and the volcanic plateau where it was discovered suggests the area was once a hub of human activity. References in ancient texts, such as those by Apollonius of Rhodes, hint at early writing traditions in the region, though surviving evidence has been scarce due to the perishable materials on which such records may have been kept.
Photo Credit: R. Shengelia et al., Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology (2024)
The discovery has raised the possibility of cultural exchange between the Caucasus and other ancient civilisations. The tablet’s partial similarities to scripts from as far afield as Phoenicia and India hint at a dynamic flow of ideas and technologies. Its authenticity has been confirmed through analysis, with its basalt composition matching local geology, and marks of modern handling suggest it was initially cleaned without recognition of its significance.
This extraordinary find is another feather in the cap of the Dmanisi region, already famous for its ancient hominin remains. As researchers continue their study of the Bashplemi tablet, it promises to reveal new insights into the cultural and intellectual history of the Caucasus, bridging the gap between the known and the unknown in humanity’s ancient past.