Ancient Texts Possibly from a Lost Language Discovered on a Stone Tablet in Georgia
In a recent publication in the Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology, scientists from Georgia announced the discovery of a stone tablet inscribed with a mysterious language, found at the bottom of Bashplemi Lake in the city of Manisi, Georgia.
The mysterious stone tablet bearing “Bashplemi inscriptions” – (Photo: Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology).
The tablet measures 24.1 x 20.1 cm and is made from locally sourced basalt, according to Heritage Daily.
It features 60 symbols or characters, including 39 distinct signs, seemingly arranged in seven vertical columns from top to bottom, though it is unclear from which side it should be read.
More importantly, the language inscribed on the tablet does not match any known languages.
Archaeologists have tentatively named it “Bashplemi script”, after the lake where the tablet was uncovered.
The Bashplemi script actually consists of symbols resembling those found in writing systems from the Middle East.
However, it also contains characters similar to those from Indian, Egyptian, and Western Iberian scripts.
Some symbols on the tablet bear resemblance to Proto-Kartvelian, a language spoken in the fourth millennium BC, while others are akin to seals used by officials in Georgia centuries ago.
This unusual mixture has left scientists perplexed.
Experts believe the tablet may date from the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age, although specific dating has yet to be conducted.
Ancient craftsmen likely created this unique script using a two-step process: first, they employed a sharp drill to outline the inscriptions, followed by a rounded tool to smooth, enhance shapes, lines, and intricate dots.
Dr. Giorgi Tsirekidze, a member of the research team, stated: “The technique used demonstrates a level of skill and sophistication far beyond that of the era.”
According to the study’s authors, the Bashplemi script contains several frequently repeated symbols, which may symbolize military spoils, significant construction projects, or offerings to a deity.
Consequently, further research on this script promises to yield new insights into a tribe or population that history has overlooked.
