Question

расскажите,что вам известно о древней письменности

Answer 1

Знаки, вырезанные на панцирях черепах свыше 8 тыс лет назад, могут оказаться самыми старыми словами в мире из всех найденных на сегодняшний момент. Результаты их расшифровки могут также помочь узнать кое-что о ритуалах Китая времен неолита. 

Артефакты были найдены в месте массовых захоронений в Цзяху (провинция Хэнань в Западном Китае) . В 24 могилах было найдено в общей сложности 14 панцирей с 11 различными знаками. 

Надписи представляют собой "некоторую форму использования знаков или раннее письмо", - считает археолог Герман Харботтл (German Harbottle) из Нью-йоркского государственного университета (State University of New York at Stony Brook), который изучил находку. 

Другие ученые, впрочем, отнеслись к этим выводам скептически. Пока нет твердой уверенности, что за этими надписями стоят какие-то определенные слова или звуки, мы не знаем языка людей, которые нанесли эти символы, никто не может пока утверждать, что они умели писать, - такой точки зрения придерживается Уильям Болтз (William Boltz), эксперт по Китаю классического периода из Вашингтонского университета. 

Изобретателем письменности в настоящее время считается Древняя Месопотамия, на месте которой расположен современный Ирак. Знаки Цзяху опередили самые ранние месопотамские письмена по крайней мере на 2 тыс лет (согласно радиоуглеродному анализу) . Некоторые из новонайденных знаков, кажется, напоминают более поздние китайские иероглифы, те, что 5 тыс лет спустя во времена династии Шан (или Инь) обозначали 'глаза' и 'окна'. Другие напоминают цифры 1, 2, 8, 10 и 20.

Answer 2

Ancient Writing Systems

Ancient writing systems refer to the various methods and scripts used by ancient civilizations to record and communicate information. These systems played a crucial role in the development of human civilization and the preservation of knowledge. Here is what I know about ancient writing systems:

1. Origins of Writing Systems: The origins of writing systems can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 3200 BCE. The Sumerians developed one of the earliest known writing systems called cuneiform, which involved making wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets.

2. Egyptian Hieroglyphs: The ancient Egyptians developed a complex writing system known as hieroglyphs. Hieroglyphs were pictorial symbols that represented objects, sounds, and ideas. They were used for religious texts, monumental inscriptions, and administrative records.

3. Indus Script: The Indus Valley Civilization, which existed around 2600-1900 BCE in the Indian subcontinent, had a script that is yet to be fully deciphered. The Indus script was used on seals, pottery, and other artifacts, but its meaning and language remain a mystery.

4. Chinese Characters: The Chinese writing system, which dates back to around 1200 BCE, is one of the oldest continuously used writing systems in the world. Chinese characters are logograms, representing words or ideas, and are still used in modern Chinese writing.

5. Mayan Hieroglyphs: The ancient Maya civilization in Mesoamerica developed a hieroglyphic writing system. Mayan hieroglyphs were used for inscriptions on stone monuments, ceramics, and codices. The script was deciphered in the 20th century, revealing information about Mayan history, culture, and astronomy.

6. Other Ancient Writing Systems: There were numerous other ancient writing systems, such as the Phoenician alphabet, the Greek alphabet, the Etruscan alphabet, and the ancient Hebrew script. These writing systems played a significant role in the development of later alphabets and writing systems.

Importance and Impact

Ancient writing systems had a profound impact on human civilization. Here are some key points:

1. Record Keeping and Communication: Writing systems allowed ancient civilizations to record and preserve information, such as laws, religious texts, historical events, and scientific knowledge. This facilitated the transmission of knowledge across generations and the exchange of information between different regions.

2. Cultural and Historical Insights: Deciphering ancient writing systems has provided valuable insights into the history, culture, and beliefs of ancient civilizations. For example, the decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs and Mayan hieroglyphs has shed light on their religious practices, political systems, and daily life.

3. Development of Literacy: Writing systems played a crucial role in the development of literacy and education. As writing became more widespread, it allowed for the dissemination of knowledge to a larger population. This, in turn, contributed to the growth of complex societies and the advancement of various fields, such as science, philosophy, and literature.

4. Influence on Modern Writing Systems: Many modern writing systems, including alphabets and syllabaries, have their roots in ancient writing systems. For example, the Latin alphabet, which is widely used today, evolved from the ancient Phoenician alphabet. The influence of ancient writing systems can be seen in various languages and scripts around the world.

Conclusion

Ancient writing systems were instrumental in the development of human civilization. They allowed for the recording and preservation of knowledge, provided insights into ancient cultures, and contributed to the development of literacy and education. The decipherment of these ancient scripts continues to reveal new information about our shared history and the achievements of our ancestors.