Writing System Collection

Development of the English alphabet. The Old Greek alphabet derived from Phoenician and was in use by 900-800 BC. A western variant, known as the Euboean or Cumae alphabet

Pictographs and linear script symbols. The British archaeologist Arthur Evans (1851-1941) found thousands of clay tablets dating from the second millennium BC at Knossos, Crete

Cuneiform script. Diagram showing the development of pictographs into stylised Cuneiform characters. Cuneiform, the first written language

Phonetic Egyptian hieroglyphs. Hieroglyphs were written characters used by the Ancient Egyptians between around 3000 BC and 300 AD. They were used mainly for inscriptions on monuments and tombs

Artwork, Sowing and ploughing in ancient Egypt, from a contemporary print, c. 1935; Artwork
Artwork, Sowing and ploughing in ancient Egypt, from a contemporary print, c.1935; Artwork

Description writing system constructed early-colonial Peru
Description of a writing system constructed in early-colonial Peru based on a textile recording device known as a quipu, Lettera apologetica dell Esercitato accademico della Crusca

Phonetic Egyptian hieroglyphs. Hieroglyphs were written characters used by the Ancient Egyptians between around 3000 BC and 300 AD. They were used mainly for inscriptions on monuments and tombs

Table comparing ancient scripts. Table based on an 1859 work by French egyptologist Emmanuel de Rouge (1811-1872), comparing eleven types of related ancient and modern scripts

Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, 1666 C016 / 8928
Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. 17th-century artwork showing a range of hieroglyphics inscribed on monuments from Ancient Egypt that had been erected in Rome

Middle Eastern alphabets, 1823 C017 / 8056
Middle Eastern alphabets. 19th-century tables showing the scripts and alphabets used in Hebrew, Samaritan (Hebrew and Aramaic), Phoenician (Proto-Canaanite, coin numbers)

Clay nails C016 / 4535
Clay nails inscribed with cuneiform script. Clay nails were inscribed with dedicatory text and and embedded into the wall of a building

Braille reading
MODEL RELEASED. Braille reading. Hand of a blind person reading braille. The braille writing and reading system was devised by the French teacher Louis Braille (1809-1852)

Evolution of cuneiform writing
Evolution of Cuneiform writing from 3000BC to 1000BC. Cuneiform is the earliest known writing system. It began as a pictograph system used by the Summerians and consisted of wedge-shaped characters

Linear script symbols arranged in groups of two or more. Whilst excavating Knossos, the British archaeologist Arthur Evans (1851-1941) found three forms of writing which he defined as Minoan

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The development of the English alphabet is a fascinating journey that can be traced back to ancient times. One of the earliest known writing systems, the cuneiform script, was used in Mesopotamia around 3200 BC. This intricate system involved making wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets and was primarily used for administrative purposes. Moving forward in time, we find ourselves in ancient Egypt where artwork depicts various aspects of daily life such as sowing and ploughing. These visual representations provide valuable insights into how writing systems were intertwined with societal activities. In early-colonial Peru, a unique description writing system was constructed by indigenous peoples. This system utilized symbols and pictographs to convey information about their culture, history, and traditions. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics are another remarkable example of a complex writing system. Dating back to 1666 BC, these intricate symbols were carved onto stone walls and papyrus scrolls. They represented both phonetic sounds and ideograms - concepts or ideas depicted through pictures. Middle Eastern alphabets also played a significant role in shaping modern writing systems. In 1823 AD, an illustration showcases different scripts from this region including Hebrew, Arabic, Syriac, among others. Clay nails inscribed with cuneiform script further highlight the versatility of this ancient method of communication. These small artifacts served as records or labels for goods during trade transactions. Phonetic Egyptian hieroglyphs added yet another layer to the complexity of written language by representing individual sounds rather than whole words or concepts. Fast-forwarding to more recent times brings us to Braille reading - a tactile writing system invented by Louis Braille in the early 19th century. By using raised dots on paper that can be felt with fingertips instead of seen with eyesight alone; Braille revolutionized accessibility for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. From clay tablets to contemporary braille reading methods; exploring different writing systems throughout history allows us to appreciate the evolution and diversity of human communication.