Ancients

The Ancients alphabet

The Ancients alphabet is the written language of the Ancients
(Anquietas), a race of highly advanced ‘ancient’ Humans who evolved
in this galaxy millions of years ago. The original version of the Ancients
font was first seen in the SG-1 episode “Torment of Tantalus” and was
conceptualized by Ivana Vasak. The heavy, block style was inspired by
a font used on a 1940s Czech propaganda poster, and the Ancients font
was eventually refined and alphabetized by Boyd Godfrey for the pilot
episode of Stargate Atlantis. Much of the Ancients text seen on the show
contains ‘in-jokes’ not meant to be read by the viewers.

Notable features

The language is written in horizontal lines from left to right,
top to bottom. In monumental and decorative inscriptions and short
informative signs, spaces are not used between words and all attempts
are made to align the letters and sentences in rectangular rows and
columns for aesthetic reasons. On normal computer readouts, spaces
are used between words.
The letters can be stretched and skewed to various widths,
heights and font sizes.

Used to write

English and the Ancients language (Lingua Anquietas), a conlang based on Latin.

Ancients alphabet

Sample text in the Ancients alphabet

Translation

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They
are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another
in a spirit of brotherhood.
(Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

Download a Ancients alphabet font (TrueType, 7K)