Recently Discovered Ancient Language Predates Romans

By: Chris Gorrie | Published: Mar 09, 2024

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have revealed an inscription on a 2,100-year-old hand-shaped amulet discovered in northeastern Spain.

The amulet’s inscription sheds light on a potential ancient language related to Basque, an ancient non-Indo-European language still spoken in the Basque Country, a region stretching across the eastern areas of the Bay of Biscay in both Spain and France, and encompassing the western Pyrenees.

Study Uncovers the Oldest and Longest Vasconic Inscription

Published in the journal Antiquity, the study unveils the oldest and longest Vasconic language inscription, a linguistic group encompassing modern Basque.

Basque road signs in Bilbao, Spain in 1990. There are three signs, one on top of the other, first in green with white text, then yellow with black text, and finally white with black text.

Chris Mitchell/Wikimedia Commons

This remarkable finding challenges our understanding of early European languages and provides a unique glimpse into a bygone era.

Ancient Amulet Discovered at Irulegi in Spain

Unearthed at the Iron Age site of Irulegi in Spain’s Navarre region in 2021, the amulet carries an inscription employing the Latin alphabet.

Some ruins at Irulegi in Spain. A group of people pose for a photo far in the background on the left of the image, while two people stand on top of a wall near the center of the image. The ruins look to be of an old fortification made of stone.

Patxi Txokarro/Wikimedia Commons

The deciphered portion reveals the word “sorioneku” or “sorioneke,” reminiscent of the modern Basque term “zorioneko,” meaning “good fortune.”

Amulet May Have Functioned as a Good Luck Charm

Intriguingly, this connection suggests the amulet might have functioned as a good luck charm or a ritual offering to a local deity.

Another hand amulet from Irulegi in a display case at the planetarium of Pamplona.

Asier Azpilikueta/Wikimedia Commons

The study’s lead author Mattin Aiestaran, an archaeologist at the University of the Basque Country, speculates that the hand-shaped artifact held a symbolic purpose, likely either in attracting positive energy or serving as a religious tribute.

Basque is the Sole Survivor of Vasconic Languages

Basque stands as the sole survivor of Vasconic languages, and its origins trace back to ancient Vasconic languages spoken in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula.

Conventionally proposed location of where Vasconic languages were spoken in ancient Europe.

Kentynet/Wikimedia Commons

The inscription at Irulegi marks a significant milestone, providing a linguistic link between an ancient Vasconic language and modern Basque.

Irulegi Amulet Challenges the Vasconic Substrate Hypothesis

This revelation challenges the prevailing Vasconic substrate hypothesis, suggesting wider language influence before the Indo-European arrival.

The Iberian Peninsula in 125 A.D. during the time of Roman Emperor Hadrian.

Richardprins/Wikimedia Commons

The study initiates a linguistic exploration, mapping connections between ancient Vasconic languages, other Iberian Peninsula languages, and the enigmatic Basque language.

Basque as a Unique Linguistic Anomaly

Modern Basque’s status as a linguistic “isolate” distinguishes it from Indo-European languages prevalent across Europe.

A political map of the Basque-speaking region in 2023.

Monts356/Wikimedia Commons

While most European languages share roots in the Indo-European family, Basque remains unparalleled, displaying similarities to the extinct Aquitanian language.

Vasconic Substrate Hypothesis is Debated

The Vasconic substrate hypothesis, proposing widespread Vasconic influence, faces debate within the linguistic community.

Study lead author Mattin Aiestaran speaking about the Irulegi hand in front of an audience and cameras.

Euskalerria Irratia/Wikimedia Commons

The Irulegi inscription serves as a pivotal piece in unraveling the complexities of Vasconic languages, sparking renewed interest and discussion.

Tracing Ancient Connections and Constructing a Linguistic Map

The Irulegi inscription, with its ancient Vasconic language, becomes a pivotal starting point for constructing a “linguistic map.”

Hans-Peter Gauster/Unsplash

This map aims to delineate connections between the deciphered language, other ancient Iberian Peninsula languages, and the intricate history of modern Basque. The study presents a compelling argument for further exploration into the linguistic heritage of Europe, allowing researchers to piece together fragments of a linguistic puzzle lost to time.

Renowned Linguist Finds Study’s Argument Convincing

Renowned linguist Peter Trudgill, uninvolved in the study but a scholar of Vasconic languages, praises the findings as “convincingly argued and exciting.”

Frankie688/Wikimedia Commons

The inscription offers a valuable window into the past, providing a nuanced understanding of Vasconic languages and peoples.

Basque Specialist Says Amulet Helps Preserve Europe’s Linguistic Past

Basque specialist Roslyn Frank emphasizes the significance of the artifact in preserving Europe’s linguistic heritage, highlighting the limited attention afforded to Basque language and culture.

A Basque literary and cultural gathering under the organization “Hitzez eta Ahotsez.” People sit in a semi-circle around an elderly man who is sitting and speaking.

Wikimaribarre/Wikimedia Commons

“In my opinion, far too little attention is paid to the Basque language and culture, given that it represents a doorway to Europe’s past,” Frank stated in an email to the popular science news site Live Science.

Irulegi Inscription is a Journey into Europe's Linguistic Heritage

The 2,100-year-old inscription at Irulegi excitingly emerges as a potential key to unlocking Europe’s linguistic past. As researchers delve into the intricacies of an ancient Vasconic language, the amulet becomes something like a portal to a forgotten era.

The Irulegi hand sitting in the ground partially uncovered at its discovery site.

Nafarroako Gobernua/Wikimedia Commons

This linguistic exploration will not only likely reshape the current understanding of Basque but also prompt a reevaluation of Vasconic languages’ historical impact. The Irulegi inscription is one fascinating new artifact that testifies to an enduring human fascination with recovering a partially shrouded past.