Early Writing in Iran, a Reappraisal

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Abstract

the initial import of preliterate accounting tools into iran from southern iraq during the period of Uruk expansion in the middle of the fourth millennium BC, led to the invention in iran of a short-lived, and indigenous writing system conventionally called proto-Elamite. a second, seemingly unique writing system, traditionally called linear Elamite, was invented in the same area approximately one thousand years later. in this article it will be demonstrated that whereas proto-Elamite can be deciphered, since it is a true proto-writing system, linear-Elamite cannot. it will be shown that linear Elamite is unlikely to represent a true writing system, but rather a mixed bag of pseudo-texts with a non-standardised signary, haphazardly grouped together due to origin, but not necessarily date.

Key takeaways

AI generated

Proto-Elamite, dated 3300-3000 BC, is a decipherable proto-writing system, unlike linear Elamite.
Linear Elamite may represent pseudo-texts with non-standardized signs, lacking true writing structure.
Research indicates proto-Elamite texts served administrative purposes, using a signary of 17 numerical and 100 non-numerical signs.
The introduction of cuneiform around 2300-2200 BC marked a transition from proto-Elamite to more standardized writing systems.
This article reappraises early Iranian writing systems, emphasizing their complexity and relation to Mesopotamian practices.

FAQ's

AI generated

What explains the emergence of proto-Elamite writing around 3300-3000 BC?add

The emergence of proto-Elamite writing is evidenced by over 1600 texts found in Susa, suggesting a significant administrative function in early Iranian societies of that time.

How did proto-Elamite numerals and symbols integrate into administrative records?add

Proto-Elamite texts utilized 17 basic numerical and around 100 non-numerical signs to organize administrative information, typically qualifying object ownership and quantities.

What differentiates linear Elamite inscriptions from proto-Elamite writing systems?add

Linear Elamite inscriptions exhibit a non-standardized signary comprised of repeated blocks of signs without consistent values; their origins remain debated following the advent of cuneiform.

How does the structure of proto-Elamite texts reflect cultural practices?add

Proto-Elamite texts' inline style and non-numerical entries reveal bookkeeping traditions shared across Mesopotamia, especially reflected in herd management and agricultural practices.

Why are linear Elamite texts considered difficult to decipher?add

The linear Elamite corpus lacks a consistent signary and exhibits significant graphical variation, complicating the process for achieving a comprehensive decipherment.

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