There are many ancient writings that have baffled researchers for years. Some of these writings have remained undecipherable for years. There are numerous writing systems that if deciphered, could perhaps help scholar understand the past of mankind. Here we have some writing systems that have been discovered but not deciphered by researchers.
Linear A
Line A is one of two currently undeciphered writing systems used in ancient Greece (Cretan hieroglyphic is the other). Linear A was the primary script used in palace and religious writings of the Minoan civilization. In 1893, British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans bought some old rocks with mysterious inscriptions in a flea market of Athens. On a later trip to the excavations carried out at Knossos, on the island of Crete, Evans recognized one of the symbols of his recent acquisition. Evans found two different systems, which he called Linear A and Linear B respectively. While Linear B was deciphered in the early 1950’s (it turned out to be the representation of an early form of Greek), Linear A has not yet been deciphered.
Cretan hieroglyphic
Excavations in Crete revealed a third writing system ( the first two are Linear A and Linear B), with symbols that looked more like images as those of linear writing. Some of these symbols are similar to the elements of Linear A. It is assumed that this “hieroglyphic” writing system was developed up until it reached Linear A, and that both systems coexisted in the same period. Despite its name, this is not a system of pictorial writing, but, judging by the number of symbols we know (one hundred), is a syllabary system. regrettably, so little materials remain and its content is so brief that it is virtually impossible to decipher. The language that is behind this writing is therefore an enigma for history and scholars.
Olmec Writing
The Olmec are believed to be one of the oldest Mesoamerican civilizations. They are best known for their giant “Olmec” Heads. One of the most important discovery related to the ancient Olmecs was made in 1999 when construction workers accidentally unearthed a stone tablet with inscriptions. The tablet shows 62 symbols; some look like corn or bugs, and others are somewhat abstract. Researchers believe that this tablet dates back to 900 BC, making it by far the oldest example of writing in the Americas.
The Singapore Stone
This ancient stone was discovered in 1819 when construction workers were clearing the jungle. According to scholars it dates back at least 500 years, and this stone is believed to be only a part of a much bigger piece that has now been lost. Researchers have not been able to decipher this ancient writing system and can only hguess what language it might actually represent. So far the debate among scholars is widespread, but most of them agree that it could be ancient Ceylonese, Tamil, Kawi, Old Javanese, or Sanskrit.
