Chapter 1: The Discovery of the Stone Tablet

Archaeologists in Spain have made a fascinating find: a stone tablet adorned with scenes of warrior battles and a series of mysterious symbols. This artifact, which dates back approximately 2,500 years, was excavated from an archaeological site in southwestern Spain at Casas del Turuñuelo, linked to the Tartessian culture. The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in Madrid announced this discovery, collaborating with the Institute of Archaeology in Mérida.

The tablet was unearthed in an area of the ancient city that was home to artists and craftsmen during the 6th to 5th centuries BCE. Originally square and crafted from slate, the tablet has suffered some damage and measures about 20 cm on each side. Researchers initially observed several depictions of warriors engaged in combat on its surface, which resemble preliminary sketches. This suggests that the tablet may have served as a "draft" for artists before they engraved on more precious materials such as ivory, gold, or wood.

Another possibility is that it acted as a reference tool for craftsmen working with metals. “This find is exceptional in Iberian Peninsula archaeology, enhancing our understanding of Tartessian artisanship, which has remained largely unknown. It provides insights into their clothing, weaponry, and headgear, as various details are depicted,” states Esther Rodríguez, the lead researcher at CSIC.

Video Description: This video explores Spain's oldest writing system, showcasing the remarkable archaeological discovery and its implications for understanding ancient cultures.

Chapter 2: Unraveling the Symbols on the Tablet

In addition to the warrior figures, researchers also identified symbols inscribed along the tablet's edges, revealing a paleo-Iberian alphabet. They documented a sequence of 21 symbols, although the original set likely contained 32 characters before the artifact was damaged.

During the mid-1st millennium BCE, various writing systems were in use on the Iberian Peninsula. The script found at Casas del Turuñuelo is associated with the southern paleo-Iberian alphabet, recognized as the oldest in this region. Scholars generally agree that the Phoenicians, who arrived on the Iberian Peninsula for trade as early as the 9th century BCE, played a role in its development. The Phoenicians mined metals and traded artisanal goods while also engaging in agriculture and livestock rearing in Iberia.

In the 1st millennium BCE, two additional writing systems were recognized in present-day Spain: the northern alphabet and the Greco-Iberian alphabet. Each system varied in letter shapes and the phonetic values assigned to individual symbols. The southern alphabet is the least frequently found in archaeological contexts, making this new discovery particularly noteworthy. Texts written in this alphabet were read from right to left, akin to Arabic script.

Video Description: This video delves into the origins of the first runic alphabet, shedding light on its historical significance and development.

Chapter 3: The Enigmatic Tartessian Civilization

The Tartessian culture, which flourished in the first half of the 1st millennium BCE on the Iberian Peninsula, remains a subject of intrigue for archaeologists. By the 7th century BCE, this civilization had reached its zenith, thriving through interactions with Phoenician immigrants who began arriving in the 10th century BCE. The Tartessians were known for their extensive trade with the Atlantic region.

While it is widely believed that the Tartessian culture emerged due to Phoenician influence, some scholars propose that it may have existed prior to their arrival. Recent findings lend partial credence to this theory. The decline of Tartessos and whether this society developed its writing system remain significant mysteries.

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