40,000-year-old symbols may rewrite the history of writing

Researchers analysed more than 3,000 engraved signs on 260 Palaeolithic objects dated about 34,000–45,000 years ago and report that the patterns show statistical similarities to early proto-cuneiform.

Researchers report that Stone Age people engraved repeated sign sequences on tools and sculptures between about 34,000 and 45,000 years ago, and that those patterns share statistical features with early proto-cuneiform. An international team led by linguist Christian Bentz and archaeologist Ewa Dutkiewicz analysed more than 3,000 signs on 260 objects, many recovered from caves in the Swabian Jura region of south‑west Germany. Notable objects discussed include the Vogelherd mammoth figurine, the Adorant from Geißenklösterle and the Lion Human from Hohlenstein‑Stadel. The researchers digitised sign sequences and applied statistical modelling and machine learning; the study is to be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Key findings: - The dataset comprises over 3,000 engraved signs on 260 Palaeolithic objects dated roughly 34,000–45,000 years ago. - Many objects come from caves in the Swabian Jura and include ivory figurines and plates marked with repeated lines, dots, notches and crosses. - The team digitised sign sequences and used statistical modelling and machine learning to measure frequency, repetition and predictability. - The sequences show a high rate of repetition and predictability; the authors report a statistical profile comparable to early proto-cuneiform. - The research does not provide a decipherment; the specific meanings of the signs remain undetermined. Summary: The analysis indicates that organised symbol sequences existed tens of thousands of years before the earliest known Mesopotamian scripts and that some measurable properties resemble proto-cuneiform. The study will appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Undetermined at this time.