Mature Harappan seal, Indus Valley, 2550-1900
BC |
Breaking a secret code is very different from deciphering ancient
writings. Although a key into the script is required, such as
the Rosetta Stone, a knowledge of the ancient language and culture
is also needed. For example, although the Meroitic script has
been deciphered, the language it writes cannot be understood
as yet. Many scripts, such as Mayan hieroglyphs and Linear B,
have been successfully deciphered but much work remains to be
done. The signs on seals like this from the flourishing trading
civilisations of the Indus Valley still await decipherment
only the discovery of more artefacts will heighten the chances
of a breakthrough.
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