Here's why:
* Translation predates recorded history: Humans have always needed to communicate with others who speak different languages. This necessity would have led to early forms of translation, likely through gestures, images, and rudimentary verbal communication.
* Evolution of translation: Translation has evolved over time. Early forms focused on conveying essential meaning, while later forms have become more sophisticated, focusing on preserving nuances and literary style.
* Cultural exchange: Translation has always been crucial for cultural exchange, trade, and diplomacy. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Greeks all had translators who facilitated communication across language barriers.
While we can't pinpoint a single discoverer, here are some significant milestones in the history of translation:
* The Septuagint: This Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, created in the 3rd century BCE, is one of the earliest examples of a large-scale translation project.
* The Latin Vulgate: A Latin translation of the Bible by Saint Jerome in the 4th century CE, it became the standard text for the Catholic Church for centuries.
* The Renaissance: This era witnessed a renewed interest in classical literature, leading to a boom in translations from Greek and Latin into European languages.
Ultimately, translation is a continuous process that has evolved alongside human communication. It's not something "discovered" but rather a vital tool that has been refined and adapted throughout history.