Eteo-Cypriot: The Pre-Hellenic Language of Cyprus
Eteo-Cypriot was a pre-Hellenic language spoken in Cyprus during the Iron Age, representing the indigenous linguistic heritage of the island before Greek colonization. The term "Eteo-" means "true" and refers to the native, non-Greek languages of the region, similar to "Eteocretan" used in Crete.
Eteo-Cypriot inscription from Amathus, Cyprus.
Eteo-Cypriot was spoken in Cyprus during the Iron Age, predating the arrival of Greek colonists. From the 10th century BC, it faced increasing pressure from Arcadocyprian Greek, the language of Greek settlers, and gradually declined until its extinction by the 4th century BC. The language's origins remain mysterious, with some linguists suggesting connections to the Lemnos inscription or Etruscan, while others propose links to Semitic languages. However, these theories lack conclusive evidence due to limited surviving texts.
Ruins of Amathus, Cyprus.
Eteo-Cypriot was written using the Cypriot syllabary, a script distinct from the Greek alphabet. It is speculated that this syllabary evolved from the Cypro-Minoan syllabary, itself a variant of Minoan Linear A. The script is known from a small number of inscriptions, some of which are bilingual, featuring both Eteo-Cypriot and Greek texts.
Example of the Cypriot syllabary used in Eteo-Cypriot inscriptions.
The most notable Eteo-Cypriot inscription is a marble slab discovered in 1913 at the acropolis of Amathus, dating to around 600 BC. This bilingual inscription includes both Eteo-Cypriot and Attic Greek, providing valuable insights into the language. Other inscriptions are scarce, limiting our understanding of Eteo-Cypriot vocabulary and grammar.
Representation of the Amathus acropolis, where the bilingual inscription was found.
The nature and origin of Eteo-Cypriot remain enigmatic due to the scarcity of surviving texts. While some scholars propose links to languages like Etruscan or Semitic, these hypotheses are unconfirmed. The language is primarily known through a few inscriptions, and its connection to the Cypro-Minoan syllabary suggests a deep-rooted indigenous tradition, but further evidence is needed to clarify its linguistic affiliations.
Archaeological context of Eteo-Cypriot studies.
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