Here's a breakdown of the major writing systems used by the Greeks:
1. Linear B: This syllabic script was used in Mycenaean Greece (c. 1600-1100 BCE). It was deciphered in the 1950s and has proven invaluable for understanding the Mycenaean civilization.
2. Phoenician Alphabet: Around the 8th century BCE, the Greeks adopted a modified version of the Phoenician alphabet, a consonantal script. They added vowels, creating the first fully developed alphabet in the Western world.
3. Greek Alphabet: This became the dominant writing system and evolved into different regional variations:
* Eastern Greek: Used in Asia Minor, with distinct features like the "eta" (η) and "omega" (ω).
* Western Greek: Used in mainland Greece and Italy, featuring the "epsilon" (ε) and "omicron" (ο).
4. Other Scripts:
* Cretan Hieroglyphics: An ancient script used in Minoan Crete (c. 2000-1450 BCE), still undeciphered.
* Cypriot Syllabary: A syllabic script used in Cyprus (c. 1000-300 BCE).
The Greek alphabet's impact:
The Greek alphabet has had a profound impact on Western civilization:
* It laid the foundation for the Roman alphabet, which forms the basis for most European languages.
* It enabled the spread of Greek literature, philosophy, and science throughout the ancient world.
* Its influence is still evident in modern writing systems, including Cyrillic and Armenian.
Today, the Modern Greek alphabet is used in Greece and Cyprus and remains one of the oldest and most influential writing systems in the world.