Throughout history there have been several societies that revolutionized the world and in many ways contributed towards this modern world we live in. One of the central civilizations that we think of when we look at our modern world is that of the Ancient Greeks. Yet although extremely important in terms culture, philosophy, science one of the most important contributions was the alphabet which allowed for these ideas to develop and spread. Not only did it spread throughout the ancient world but even into our modern age the original language deeply affecting many languages and cultures. Yet overall it is important to look at exactly where it developed from because as all things it didn’t just appear, instead ancient Greeks developed it long ago to suit their needs. Yet with this alphabet at their hands it prompted them to start creating a world based on text, bringing them into the Golden age and allowing for us to still have these writings even thousands of years after.
What is interesting about the Greek Alphabet was the fact that in many ways it wasn’t Greek due to the fact it was adopted. Through comparisons of writings it is clear to historians that the original symbols and system used by the Greeks was adopted from the Phoenician traders, who hailed from the eastern Mediterranean on the modern-day coast of Syria and Lebanon. Many believe that this transfer of knowledge was most likely a byproduct of trade, citing the fact that many Greek merchants witnessed the usefulness and application of an alphabet in matters of trade and business.[1] At the same time many suggest that it appealed to Greeks as a way to show status, take part in business and more romantically be able to write down stories such as the Iliad and odyssey.[2] Although not exactly sure when it occurred most believe that the transfer of the alphabet system occurred around 1100-800 B.C.[1] So with the exposure many Greek traders began to bring back this new system in addition to their goods back to their home ports. Yet often they would bring back varied forms and this led to the creation of specific regional differences which led to an ununified alphabetic writing system making communication more difficult. [1] Originally the Greeks took all 22 letters from the Phoenician, with the order as well as the same names. Yet as noted above although from the same source “in Archaic and Classical Greece more or less every region had its own variety of the Greek alphabet: letter shapes varied slightly, and there were some variations in the use of the letters phi, Chi, psi, and xi.”[2] In addition the direction of writing was not changed, referred to as retrograde the Phoenician style was right to left much like modern day Arabic, as well as a lack of overall punctuation which makes writing coherent sentences more of a challenge.[3] So although usable many ancient Greeks began to desire adaptions in order to make it a better system for a Greek civilization.
With a desire to change certain aspects of the alphabet technology we see changes by certain regions which create a more “Greek” writing system, such as inclusion and exclusion of vowels and letters as well as writing method and punctuation. As stated earlier the original Greek system was written from right to left just like the original Phoenician style, yet by the 6th century we see a transition from left to right and right to left on the next line. [2] So, although the original system was effective we see a development taking place by Greeks who are changing the writing system so it fits them better. The next change that was made to the overall system was the inclusion of vowels into the alphabet. In the traditional Phoenician script vowels, did not exist so the Greeks upon adaptation created A E I O into vowels. [1] Many do not know exactly why these were introduced as they aren’t necessarily needed. One reason is the need to translate Hexametric poems as found in The Iliad and The Odyssey. [3] Another very important change was the introduction of several new letters into the alphabet. The reason being was many Greeks in several regions felt that they could not accurately express themselves with the existing letters thereby adding Phi Chi Psi. [1] So although not hugely important or notable this addition is important for several reasons. Firstly, this demonstrates the impact of a society on writing systems, as stated earlier the Greeks felt that although effective for trade the 22 letters were obviously not enough for expression. This signifies several things such as the development of more complex ideas and actions that required explanation, thereby showing a direct impact on Greek society in the development of their communications methods. Another modification was the adaptation and use of punctuation to the alphabet. When adopted the early Greek system did not possess punctuation this would often lead to ambiguous meanings and confusion, however we do see certain distinctions in writing that develop to show several things. One example would be an arrangement of vertical dots meant to mark speakers, as well as a horizontal dash called a paragraphos. This was meant to introduce an entirely new speaker or section within a writing. Although basic we also see evidence of punctuation as we know it called stigme, these were called “the final point, the middle point, and the “under Point.”[2] So although nothing in comparison to our current state of punctuation it was an improvement from nothing at all which if one can imagine would make basic tasks such as reading much easier and attainable. So again, this is another example of Greek society impacting their writing system and creating an alphabet and system of writing that was uniquely them and worked best for them. Lastly is it important to explain the style and system of writing as well because it is of course a very important aspect of society and the reason for an alphabet in the first place. So, within Greece its first important to recognize that fact that there were two types of writing the formal and informal writings. From the very start of the 6th century we see the formal script which was used for public display. [2]
First Illustration: LANGE, DEA / ARCHIVIO J. “Greek inscription in the temple of Apollo, Delphi.” Getty Images. N.p., 29 Aug. 2015. Web. 31 Jan. 2017.
Second Illustration: As Is Biz specializing in security employment Philippines,monitoring,aircraft photo’s,military history,art and IL2 and CLOD, COD game skins,3d. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2017. Photo of Graffiti from the Acropolis
Although difficult to see this script written on the temple of Apollo the top illustration follows the formal structure which focused on 45 degree angles and straight lines, while curved letters focused on balance and proportion. At the same time, we also see the use of informal what we would consider graffiti onto things such as pottery as well as other places. This informal style is seen on the second illustration. [2] So from above we see a distinction in writing styles which was a distinction created by the reeks and used depending on the scenario. This makes sense because by looking at the second illustration it is clear how disorganized and not clean it is compared to the very structured and tight format of illustration one.
So, we have discussed the impact of Greek needs in the creation of a Greek Alphabet system yet what is even more important is the affect this new alphabet had on Greek society as a whole. Although most of Greece for a large majority of its history consisted of several individual kingdoms and city-states one thing that linked them was the fact they all spoke Greek and used the alphabet. Therefore, in many ways it is quite easy to assume to the alphabet acted as a unifying factor that helped them destroy outside threats at several pints in their long history. Yet one cannot forget that the use of an alphabet really allowed for Greece to create a flourishing and thriving cultural atmosphere unique at the time. The period from 680 B.C. to 322 B.C. is seen by many as one of the most important culture periods in history. What is unique is it’s during this period that the Greeks really start changing their alphabet to fit their needs a creating a text based society. The period in which it was truly text based is called the classical period from 480-320 B.C. and it’s during this time that the foundation of western society in terms of poetry, science, drama, and history. It is for this reason that I believe that creation of the alphabet was important not only to the Greeks but the entire future of western civilization. [2]
The Greek alphabet was in many ways one of the most important reasons for why Greece experienced the golden age it did. Although originally from Phoenician traders, Greek civilization adopted it and with hundreds of years made it perfect for their civilization. Yet at the same time this created a society entrenched in a text-based society instead of oral therefore this allowed for the writing down of stories, poems, ideas, and a multitude of other things which in turn were spread throughout the Mediterranean world. Even today however this alphabet still permeates throughout our society and has an everlasting place not only in our history books but our monuments and minds.
References
[1.] A.G. Woodard, “The Study of Greek Inscriptions”, Cambridge University Press, 1959,1981.
[2.] Colvin, Stephen, “A Brief History of Ancient Greek (1)”, Wiley-Blackwell, December 2013.
[3.] Https://www.facebook.com/pages/AncientClassical-History/265812982591. “Development of the Greek Alphabet.” About.com Education. N.p., 17 Aug. 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2017.