* Punctuation evolved over time: Punctuation didn't just appear overnight in a fully developed form. It gradually emerged as a way to clarify meaning and make writing easier to read.
* Early examples: While the first recorded instances of punctuation are found in ancient Greek and Roman texts (circa 7th century BCE), these systems were very different from what we use today.
* Modern punctuation: What we consider "modern" punctuation developed during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, with many contributors and innovations.
Here are some key milestones:
* Ancient Greece and Rome: Used dots and other symbols to separate sentences, but not in the same way we do now.
* Medieval Period: The use of the comma, semicolon, and period became more common, but still differed from modern conventions.
* Renaissance: The invention of the printing press significantly influenced punctuation, as printers needed consistent symbols for clarity.
* 18th and 19th centuries: Standardized punctuation rules emerged, with grammarians like Robert Lowth and Noah Webster playing significant roles.
So, there isn't one specific "start" date for punctuation. It's a long and evolving story with contributions from various cultures and eras.