The Tablet Discovered in Georgia Bears Traces of an Unknown Language

Image Credit: Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology

A study published in the Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology reveals traces of a previously unknown language in the Caucasus region.1

A discovery made at Lake Bashplemi in the Dmanisi archaeological site in Georgia has caused quite a stir in the world of paleography. Researchers found a tablet made of locally sourced basalt with an unknown language written on it.

Dmanisi

According to initial examinations, this tablet does not exactly match any known writing system. Paleographers and archaeologists consider this a mystery.

The tablet, measuring approximately 24.1 x 20.1 cm, contains 60 different symbols. 39 of these symbols are completely different and unique. The text on the tablet is arranged in seven separate registers from top to bottom. However, it has not yet been determined in which direction the text should be read.

According to the researchers, the symbols on the tablet were initially shaped by creating notches, then smoothed out using a round-headed tool. This shows that the society that created the writing had advanced technical knowledge and aesthetic understanding. However, deciphering the writing is currently a very challenging task.

There are several hypotheses about what kind of information this unknown language conveys. The researchers think that the frequently repeated symbols may represent offerings to a god, military achievements or an important construction project. This indicates that the writing may have been used for ceremonial or record-keeping purposes.

The origin and similarities of the symbols on the tablet bring up a very interesting historical connection. Some of the symbols have superficial similarities with writing systems found in different regions such as the Middle East, India, Egypt and Western Iberia. However, none of these similarities provide a direct match. On the other hand, some of the symbols have elements in common with seals from the pre-Christian period of Georgia and with the Proto-Kartvelian script. Research suggests that this writing may be related to ancient writing systems specific to the Caucasus region, such as proto-Georgian or ancient Colchis runes.

The vesicular basalt used in the tablet’s production is a local source, suggesting that it was produced near Lake Bashplemi. However, the limited archaeological work in the region makes it difficult to determine the exact context of the tablet. Although pottery fragments and stone mortars dating to the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age have been found around the tablet, a definitive date has not been established. However, studies on the origin and meaning of this unknown language are ongoing.

The discovery also raises some important questions. For example, was this unknown language spoken only in the Dmanisi area, or was it the product of regional or international interaction? Did the tablet reflect the cultural identity of a local community, or did it carry a message brought here from somewhere else?

In order to answer such questions, the symbols on the tablet need to be examined in more detail.

  1. SHENGELIA, Ramaz, Levan GORDEZIANI, Nikoloz TUSHABRAMISHVILI, Nodar POPORADZE, and Othar ZOURABICHVILI. “DISCOVERY OF UNKNOWN SCRIPT CHARACTERS IN GEORGIA: THE BASHPLEMI LAKE TABLET.” JOURNAL OF ANCIENT HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY 11, no. 3 (2024).[]