Elamite

Elamite scripts

Proto-Elamite

The oldest Elamite script, known as Proto-Elamite, first appeared
in about 3100 BC in Suse (Susa), the capital of Elam, in south-western
Persia (modern Iran). The Proto-Elamite script is thought to have been
developed from an early Sumerian script.

The Proto-Elamite script consists of about 1,000 signs and is therefore
thought to be partly logographic. It has yet to be deciphered, and
the language it represents is unknown.

Sample of the Proto-Elamite script

Old Elamite

Sample text in the Old Elamite script

Old Elamite was a syllabic script derived from Proto-Elamite and was
used between about 2250 and 2220 BC, though was probably invented are
an earlier date. Old Elamite has only been partially deciphered, mainly
by Walter Hinz.

Old Elamite consisted of about 80 symbols and was written in vertical
columns running from top to bottom and left to right.

A selection of Old Elamite symbols which have been deciphered:

Old Elamite

Other undeciphered writing systems

Linear A,
Proto-Elamite,
Old Elamite,
Rongo Rongo

Elamite Cuneiform

The Elamite Cuneiform script was used from about 2500 BC to 331 AD
and was adapted from Akkadian Cuneiform. The Elamite Cuneiform script
consisted of about 130 symbols, far fewer than most other cuneiform scripts.

Sample

Sample text in Elamite cuneiform

Links

Information about the Elamite Empire
http://www.cais-soas.com
http://www.allempires.com/empires/elamite/elamite1.htm

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