Deciphering Ancient Script: Bronze Hand Holds Clues to Old Language
Unraveling Mysteries of Vasconic Tongue
In a groundbreaking discovery1, archaeologists unearthed a 2,100-year-old bronze hand inscribed with a language possibly related to Basque, shedding light on ancient European linguistic roots.
The Unveiling of an Ancient Script
Discovered at the Iron Age site of Irulegi, Spain, the hand-shaped amulet bears the oldest and longest Vasconic language inscription ever found. The engraving, using Latin characters, includes words reminiscent of modern Basque, suggesting cultural continuity over millennia.
A Glimpse into Ancient Rituals
The inscription's initial word, "sorioneku," akin to "good fortune" in Basque, hints at the amulet's ceremonial significance, possibly used for luck or as a tribute to fortune deities. Further analysis reveals at least five words adorning the hand's palm, enhancing our understanding of pre-Roman traditions.
Tracing Linguistic Origins
Basque, an enigmatic language isolate, shares roots with ancient Vasconic tongues. While some scholars propose widespread Vasconic influence predating Indo-European migration, others contest this, emphasizing the uniqueness of Basque. Nevertheless, the Irulegi inscription fuels discussions on Vasconic linguistic evolution.
Scholars' Perspectives
Renowned linguists commend the study's rigor, recognizing its contribution to understanding Basque heritage and ancient European languages. The inscription serves as a crucial relic, providing a rare glimpse into the linguistic tapestry of Europe's past.
Aiestaran, M., Velaza, J., Gorrochategui, J., Usúa, C., Pujol, P., Alonso, E., Iriarte, E., Narbarte, J., Ruiz-González, D., Mendizabal-Sandonís, O., Sesma, J., Mujika-Alustiza, J. A., Gazólaz, J. G., Balduz, B., & Agirre-Mauleon, J. (2024). A Vasconic inscription on a bronze hand: writing and rituality in the Iron Age Irulegi settlement in the Ebro Valley. Antiquity, 98(397), 66–84. https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2023.199