SSWH1d: Identifying early trading networks and writing systems existent in the Eastern Mediterranean

including those of the PhoeniciansSSWH1e: Explain the development and importance of

writing including cuneiform, hieroglyphics, and the Phoenician alphabet

Why did writing develop?Keep and pass on informationThe need to keep records on trade and commerce!

What are some early forms of writing?1. Sumerian writing (Cuneiform): pressing

marks on clay tablets with a stylusMost signs were wedge shapes Pictographic writing: 600 signs

What are some early forms of writing?2. Egyptian writing: (hieroglyphics): used

more than 600 signs, pictures or symbols to represent words and sounds (ideograms)Used papyrus (paper made from stem of papyrus plant grown by the Nile River)

Rosetta Stone In 1798 the Rosetta Stone was found and

contained three languages; Greek, hieroglyphics and demotic. This led to the understanding of the Egyptian sacred writings.

What are some early forms of writing?Phoenician alphabet: used symbols to

represent soundsPhonetic: one sign for one sound Developed the alphabet that became the

model for later Western alphabets

How did the Phoenician alphabet spread and why is it more accepted?Used writing in their businesses to draw up

contracts and record bills -> trading partners saw these and their advantages and spread the knowledge of them throughout the Mediterranean world

Greeks later adopt the Phoenician alphabet by adding signs for vowel sounds

Romans copy the alphabet from the Greeks and turned it into our alphabet we use now!