The Meroitic script is an ancient African writing system used in the Kingdom of Meroë, located in present-day Sudan, during the later period of the Kushite civilization. This script represents one of the earliest known written languages in sub-Saharan Africa and is divided into two forms: Meroitic Hieroglyphs and Meroitic Cursive.
Meroitic Hieroglyphs is used primarily for monumental inscriptions, these resemble Egyptian hieroglyphs but represent the Meroitic language.
Meroitic Cursive on the other hand is a more simplified and practical form used for writing on papyrus, pottery, and other everyday materials.
The Meroitic script emerged around the 3rd century BCE. It was influenced by Egyptian hieroglyphs but developed into a distinct writing system suited to the Meroitic language.
The Meroitic script is an alphabetic system with syllabic elements. It consists of 23 signs: 15 consonants, 4 vowels, and 4 syllabic signs (combinations of consonants and vowels). Unlike Egyptian hieroglyphs, Meroitic script is read from right to left.
The Meroitic script represents the literary and administrative prowess of the Kingdom of Meroë. It is a testament to the region’s complex society and its ability to develop a unique writing system distinct from its Egyptian neighbor.
