New archaeological research illuminates the first steps of writing in the Aegean area, 4,500 years ago. Specifically, a study of two ancient seals found in jar by Gap (small island next to Santorini) highlights possible earlier forms of writingbut also interesting information on the organization of the time.

The study was carried out by Dr. Minas Tsikritsis, a researcher of Aegean Scriptures, and Dr. Adamantios Samson, archaeologist professor and published two years ago

In addition these inscriptions come to confirm their research

What did the researchers find out?

In the settlement of the Assumption in Thirassia, a large jar with two different seals on its handle was found, called THS.1 and THS.2.

These seals were made before the vessel was cooked, with clay from Naxos, indicating commercial or cultural contacts between the islands, as well as the highlight of the first writing during the Early Cycladic II period (2700-2300 BC).

• The stamp Ths.1 has symbols arranged in three rows. Some of them look like symbols from Cretan hieroglyphsa writing used later in Crete

Researchers believe that it may refer to the owner of the jerk or in its contents. The four symbols from the first line A, two from the second line B, and one from the third line, (7 in total) symbols that can be identified with Cretan hieroglyphs (KIs). The seal by imprinting the symbols was deliberately positioned according to the scholars so that it was visible and “read” more clearly, at the top of the handle. On the basis of these observations, the order of the Symbols of the KSI Symbols leads us to the possible recording of information on the owner or content.

• The stamp Ths.2 displays geometric patterns and recurring symbols 5 vessels.

One of us is that it indicates the amount of liquid that the vessel was fitted (probably 60 liters). Similar symbols were used 1,000 years later in Santorini to indicate the capacity of the jokes, as was the CMS II stamp, 6-22 of the MMI period, in a hand-drawn handle with 7 vessels that probably want to declare the capacity of the pithos.

Connection to other findings

Similar writing findings have also been found in Milos, Mr. Tsikritsis points out in the RES-EIA, where in 39 small cups of graves have engraved symbols similar to K. and Linear A. This reinforces the view that some form of writing already existed in the Aegean space since 2500 BC, that is about 500 years earlier than it was believed so far.

Cultural effects and questions

These findings ask an interesting question in the RES-EIA, Mr. Tsikritsis: Was the writing first developed in the Cyclades and then influenced Minoan Crete? At the same time (2500 BC), he points out, there is a strong Cycladic presence in Crete, with the introduction of vessels and figurines.

What does all this mean?

The discovery suggests, according to Mr Tsikritsis, that Aegean culture had already developed an original writing and numbering systems from the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. Perhaps, after climate change or social upheavals, the inhabitants of the Cyclades during the Early Cycladic III (2300-2000 BC) conveyed this knowledge to Crete, where they evolved and shaped KI and Linear A, as we know it in the Minoan culture. “At this time the end of an era is marked, while at the same time it appears that the Aegeans move to the great island of Crete, which had a natural wealth for the development of their societies by conveying their astronomical, theological culture and primary discovery they had discovered from the middle of the 3rd millennium,” The existence of Cycladic colonies on the island of Crete (Doumas 1976), (Davaras and Betancourt 2004, Betancourt 2008) and (Samson 1985, 1988).

“This research, recently published by the University of Cambridge, coupled with our previous research, opens new ways to study the principles of writing in Europe. Perhaps in the future, new excavations even bring to light other findings of writing, further unraveling the secrets of the Aegean and Minoan culture interconnection! ” Mr. Tsikritsis ends.