Ancient Tablet Uncovers Mysterious Script in the Caucasus Region

In the Caucasus, a region with a complex and still partially documented history, the discovery of new artifacts often sheds light on forgotten aspects of ancient civilizations. A team of archaeologists affiliated with Tbilisi State University and the National Archaeological Research Center of Georgia have unearthed a basalt tablet engraved with previously unseen symbols. This find, detailed in the Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology, is arousing keen interest: it could represent a writing system never before recorded.

Discovered near Lake Bashplemi, in the Dmanisi region, the tablet probably dates back to the Late Bronze Age or early Iron Age. This geographical and chronological context places this inscription at the crossroads of cultural influences between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, raising questions about the exchanges and linguistic innovations of the time.

An artifact from a distant era

This basalt tablet, discovered in 2021 in the sediments of Lake Bashplemi in Georgia, is distinguished by its modest dimensions (24.1 x 20.1 cm) and its local material, a particularly robust volcanic rock. This choice of basalt demonstrates an advanced knowledge of the materials available in the region. Carefully engraved, the tablet presents 60 symbols divided into seven lines. Intriguing fact: 39 characters are completely new in known writing systems. These details, combined with the advanced engraving techniques identified, confirm an ancient origin. Researchers associate the artifact with the first millennium BCE. They are based on artifacts found nearby, such as obsidian tools and ceramic fragments. These indicate sustained human activity and significant technical development in this region.

Location of Lake Bashplemi in Georgia. © R. Shengelia et al., 2024

The Dmanisi region, already renowned for its paleoanthropological discoveries, here expands its role to the study of ancient written cultures. Unlike human fossils which testify to the presence of the first hominids, this tablet reflects more intangible aspects, such as the ritual, administrative or linguistic practices of local communities. The geographical context, a volcanic plateau surrounded by hills and fed by tributaries, seems to have provided a favorable setting for the establishment of human groups over a long period. This new artifact highlights a previously unknown social and cultural complexity.

Unparalleled writing

The engravings on the tablet fascinate with their complexity and precision, revealing an impressive technical mastery for the time. The artisans who made these inscriptions used a combination of specialist tools, including a conical drill bit for the outlines and rounded instruments to soften the shapes. These processes, adapted to the hardness of basalt, demonstrate advanced technical capacity and attention to detail. This could suggest that these inscriptions were considered important. The researchers note that some of the 39 unique symbols have partial visual similarities to ancient scripts such as Proto-Kartvelian or Phoenician. However, these similarities remain insufficient to establish a direct lineage. According to Ramaz Shengelia, lead author, “ these characters do not belong to any known writing system. Which reinforces their exceptional and perhaps local character “.

Graphical representation of the Bashplemi inscription characters and their numbering. © R. Shengelia et al., 2024

Interpretations on the function of these inscriptions therefore remain varied. Repetitions of certain symbols, potentially numbers or punctuation marks, could indicate accounting records or catalogs. Perhaps linked to inventories of military or economic resources. Hypotheses also include the possibility that these are ritual recordings or religious dedications. For Shengelia and her colleagues, these inscriptions translate “ a thoughtful effort to record crucial information. Which reflects an organized society aware of the importance of writing as a tool of memory or transmission “.

A cultural heritage of the Caucasus

The discovery of the Lake Bashplemi tablet greatly enriches the understanding of written history in the Caucasus. This is a historically underappreciated region in studies of ancient writing systems. Although often considered peripheral to the major cultural centers of the Middle East or the Mediterranean, this area played a role as a crossroads between Europe, Asia and oriental civilizations. The accounts of Apollonius of Rhodes, for example, speak of writing in Colchis, present-day western Georgia. It is often found associated with the legendary “golden script” or “colchian runes”. However, the absence of clear material evidence had until now kept these references in the realm of myth. The Bashplemi tablet thus offers a rare opportunity to confront these stories with a tangible archaeological reality.

The authors highlight some partial similarities between certain characters on the tablet and elements of ancient writing systems, such as proto-Kartvelian or Caucasian alphabets. These could bear witness to the circulation of ideas and technologies in this region. However, its unique character and the choice of basalt suggest a specific context of use. Indeed, basalt remains impractical for daily use. Furthermore, according to researchers, the use of organic materials (wood or leather) would explain why so few of these writings have survived. This tablet, as a durable object, could have been created for symbolic or ceremonial uses. It demonstrates the importance given by this society to the act of recording, preserving or transmitting essential information.

A writing, a real advance for archeology

Finally, let us add that the in-depth studies carried out on the Lake Bashplemi tablet have confirmed its authenticity. In addition, geological analysis reveals that the basalt used comes from local volcanic formations, reinforcing the hypothesis of regional production. Signs of wear and tear, probably due to modern attempts at cleaning, suggest that the artifact was discovered accidentally and handled before being recognized as an object of archaeological interest.

Aerial photography of Lake Bashplemi in Georgia. © R. Shengelia et al., 2024

The finesse of the engravings rules out any hypothesis of contemporary falsification. It also demonstrates a high degree of technical know-how. This level of expertise, combined with the unique nature of the inscriptions, illustrates a society capable of significant cultural innovation. Furthermore, the design of the symbols, showing partial similarities with writings from India, Egypt and the Middle East, evokes early intellectual or technological exchanges. This tablet would therefore place the Caucasus at the heart of little-known networks of influence from Antiquity.

Source: Ramaz Shengelia, Levan Gordeziani, et al., “Discovery Of Unknown Script Characters In Georgia: The Bashplemi Lake Tablet”. Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology, vol 11, no 3 (2024).