“You can learn the Way from the saints, but you can also learn the Way from a working woman” – a proverb inscribed on stone at the Ras Shamra library (Syria) advises us thus. These proverbs are written in ancient Ugaritic – the first alphabetic script, dating back 3,300 years. An international scientific team has recently announced the complete decoding of the inscriptions found on the stones at the Ras Shamra library (Syria).
In 1928, farmers in Ras Shamra accidentally discovered stone tablets covered by a thin layer of soil. They were taken to a nearby museum for preservation. By 1948, a French archaeological team uncovered a well-preserved Ugaritic inscription in the area. Combined with artifacts previously found by the farmers, scientists “read” that these were the “books” of a 3,300-year-old library. In 1974, the first Ugaritic research association convened in Münster (Germany) and published most of the results from the “decoding” of these “books.” However, some inscriptions remained unread.
Now, Mr. John Khanjian from Haigazian University (Syria) has announced that he has “translated” the most challenging proverbs in their entirety. They reflect a vibrant philosophy – a youthful and secular worldview of the Middle East at that time.
A translation of the Ugaritic inscriptions.
Most of the proverbs encapsulate experiences in interpersonal relationships or offer advice and reminders. For example, the saying “Son, never go to a tavern!” advises young men against indulgence. Or “Never let your wife know how much money you have,” warns men to be cautious with their wives regarding finances. Another proverb states, “Nothing is worse than having a late son!”, encouraging people to marry and have children early.
Unlike the proverbs found in later biblical texts, the inscriptions on the stones at Ras Shamra are rather scattered. It seems the authors wrote down whatever they deemed important to pass on to future generations. Proverbs such as: “The way lies beyond the realm of the gods; it is within the human world,” or “Do not seek wisdom in the blue sky, seek it where people weave cloth,” indicate that ancient Syrians were more concerned with the practicalities of life than with the afterlife.
Today, archaeologists agree that Ugaritic is the first alphabetic script in the world. 3,300 years ago, major civilizations such as Egypt, the Maya (Central America), China, and India were developing hieroglyphic writing. In this context, the Ugaritic script is considered “a miracle,” laying the groundwork for the alphabetic systems in Greece, Rome, and throughout Europe later on.
Minh Hy (according to dpa)
