Archaeologists from Johns Hopkins University have uncovered the oldest known alphabetic script in Syria, dating back to around 2400 BCE. Found in the tomb of an ancient urban center, this discovery rewrites the origins of alphabetic writing by predating previous records by 500 years.

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• Alphabetic writing found on clay cylinders in Tell Umm-el Marra, Syria.
• Dates back to 2400 BCE, 500 years older than previous scripts.
• Excavated during a 16-year dig led by Prof. Glenn Schwartz, Johns Hopkins University.
• Tomb artifacts include six skeletons, gold, silver jewelry, pottery, and weapons.
• Carbon-14 dating confirms Early Bronze Age origins.
• Cylinders likely used as labels for vessels; exact translations unclear.
• Suggests alphabets originated outside Egypt, contradicting earlier theories.
• Discovery challenges the timeline and geography of alphabetic invention.
• Presented at the American Society of Overseas Research on Nov 21, 2024.