Ugaritic Alphabet
Writing systemAbout
The Ugaritic alphabet is a cuneiform-based writing system used in ancient Syria, primarily during the 15th to 13th centuries BC. It was discovered in Ugarit, now known as Ras Shamra, and consists of 30 symbols, including 27 consonants and three syllabic signs for vowels. This script was written from left to right, unlike many other Semitic scripts which are written right to left. The Ugaritic alphabet is significant for its influence on later writing systems, including the Phoenician, Greek, and Latin alphabets. The Ugaritic script was used to write the Ugaritic language, an extinct Northwest Semitic language, as well as other languages like Hurrian and Akkadian. Its discovery has provided valuable insights into the culture and trade of the ancient Eastern Mediterranean. Despite its limited geographical spread, the Ugaritic alphabet's principles, such as its fixed set of symbols, have contributed to the development of subsequent alphabetic systems. It remains an important part of the history of writing, highlighting the evolution of simpler, more accessible forms of communication.
