Did the Romans Know Where Their Alphabet Came From?

Did the Romans Know Where Their Alphabet Came From?

The origin and evolution of the Roman alphabet remain subjects of considerable interest for scholars and enthusiasts alike. From the time of ancient Rome to the present day, questions often arise about the roots and connections between the Roman, Greek, and Phoenician alphabets. In this exploration, we delve into the historical contexts and evidence that illuminate these connections.

The Early Origins of Alphabets

Pliny the Elder, a prominent Roman author, mentioned several accounts regarding the origins of the alphabet. He cited Anticlides, who suggested that Menes, an Egyptian king, invented the alphabet 15,000 years before the mythological Greek king Phoroneus. On the other hand, Epigenes proposed that the Babylonians had an extensive record of astronomical observations on baked bricks for 730,000 years. Other scholars like Berosus and Critodemus claimed that the alphabet was in use for 490,000 years, indicating its very ancient origins.

The Transmission of Alphabets to Latium

According to Pliny, the Pelasgians, a pre-Roman people in southern Italy, introduced the alphabet to Latium, the region where Rome was founded. However, the question of whether the Pelasgians were Greeks is less important than the actual cultural exchanges that occurred.

While the Roman alphabet in its early stages closely resembled Phoenician script, evidence suggests that the Romans were aware of the connection between the two. The upper classes in Rome sought the guidance of Greek tutors for their children, despite often keeping them as slaves. The respect for Greek culture, especially in philosophy and mathematics, indicates that the Romans were well aware of the longevity and sophistication of the Greek language and its scripts.

The Phoenician Alphabet and Its Influence

As the Romans gained more knowledge of the Mediterranean world, they became increasingly aware of the Phoenicians and their colonies. Cities like Carthage, established by the Phoenicians, posed a significant challenge to Rome. An educated Roman would have recognized the similarities between Phoenician and Greek alphabets, as these scripts share notable characteristics. The Phoenician alphabet is considered the precursor to both Greek and Latin, and its influence is evident in the development of modern languages.

Egyptian Writing Systems and the Roman Empire

The Egyptians utilized several writing systems, including Hieroglyphics, Hieratic, and Demotic. All of these scripts were still in use, albeit in limited forms, during the Roman Empire. By the 3rd century AD, the Coptic script, which is based on the Greek alphabet, had become dominant. The predominant languages in the region were Egyptian (with Coptic as its successor), Greek, and Latin. Greek was the language most likely to be used in written forms, both before and after Egypt became a part of the Roman Empire.

Despite the evidence of these interconnected writing systems, it is my opinion that most people would not have made the connection between Hieroglyphics, Hieratic, and Demotic on the one hand, and Phoenician, Greek, and Latin on the other. The complex evolution of alphabets over thousands of years, coupled with the diverse cultural interactions, makes it a multifaceted and intriguing topic for study.

Understanding the origins and connections of the Roman alphabet not only sheds light on the linguistic history of the ancient world but also highlights the interconnectedness of human culture and communication.