In later texts a dot or double dot (like a colon) is used to separate wordsĪrchaic Etruscan alphabet (7th-5th centuries BC) Words were originally written without spaces.Lines, or boustrophedon (alternating right to left and left to right) Writing direction: right to left (or left to right) in horizontal.It is also possible that the Etruscans had a notation system for music. No major literary works in Etruscan have survived, however there is evidence for the existence of religious and historical literature and drama. the pronunciation of the letters is known, though scholars are not sure what all the words mean. Fragments of an Etruscan book made of linen have also been found.

More than 10,000 Etruscan inscriptions have been found on tombstones, vases, statues, mirrors and jewellery. Most Etruscan inscriptions are written in horizontal lines from right to left, but some are boustrophedon (running alternately left to right then right to left). The earliest known inscription dates from the middle of the 6th century BC. Greek alphabet brought to Italy by Euboean

The Etruscan alphabet developed from a Western variety of the It was also possibly related to Camunic, a language once spoken in the northwest of Italy. The emperor Claudius (10 BC - 54 AD) wrote a history of the Etruscans in 20 volumes, however none of these volumes survive.Įtruscan was related to Raetic, a language once spoken in the Alps, and also to Lemnian, once spoken on the island of Lemnos. After which it continued to be studied by priests and scholars, and it was used in religious ceremonies until the early 5th century AD. The Etruscan language was spoken by the Etruscans in Etruria (Tuscany and Umbria) until about the 1st century AD.

Bengali ancient alphabet