Archaeologists uncover uncharted language in 30,000 Hittite clay tablets VIDEO

In a recent article, WECB highlights that in the heart of Türkiye, a century-old archaeological mystery just got a lot more intriguing. A remarkable discovery of 30,000 clay tablets from the ancient Hittite capital has unearthed a never-before-seen language, reshaping human understanding of the ancient world. As researchers decode these 3,500-year-old texts, one thing is clear: the past still has plenty of secrets to reveal.

For over a century, the region has been a key site of archaeological research, with new discoveries continuing to surprise experts. The latest breakthrough comes from a collection of cuneiform tablets, many written in Hittite-Nesite, the oldest known Indo-European language. However, this time, researchers encountered something unexpected—a passage written in a previously unidentified Indo-European language.

This surprising discovery occurred while specialists were examining what they thought would be routine ritual texts. Instead, fragments of an unrecognized language appeared, sparking excitement within the archaeological community. A German university recently announced the finding, stressing its importance in the field of linguistics. Although the precise meaning of the new language remains undecoded, surrounding Hittite text provided context to help researchers narrow down potential interpretations.

Some experts believe the language could have originated from Kalašma, an area now located in modern-day Bolu and Gerede, Türkiye. Others propose that the language may be linked to Luwian, an ancient tongue spoken in the Bronze Age settlement of Troy. These theories are supported by structural and phonetic similarities between the newly discovered language and other known ancient languages.

This discovery not only fascinates historians and linguists but also offers a deeper understanding of the Hittites' cultural and linguistic diversity. Known for their interest in foreign cultures, the Hittites often preserved rituals and texts in multiple languages, showcasing the extensive cultural exchange that shaped the ancient world.

As excavations continue in Türkiye, experts are eager to uncover more tablets, which may reveal even more forgotten languages, providing valuable insight into the rich tapestry of ancient civilizations. With each new discovery, the mystery of the Hittite tablets grows, offering an opportunity to uncover more of the ancient world's untold stories.

By Naila Huseynova