Evolution of Letters: What Ancient Greece and Extinct Scripts Tell Us

In this episode - and epic finale to the fourth series - of the Life of Letters podcast, host Laura Edralin speaks with Dr. George Gazis, an expert in ancient inscriptions and Greek literature. They explore the history and evolution of writing systems, the significance of ancient inscriptions, and the impact of Linear B on our understanding of Greek writing. The conversation delves into the complexities of deciphering lost scripts, the role of digital tools in modern studies, and the cultural implications of writing as a form of expression. To find out more about George, visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/staff/g-a-gazis/. You can also discover more about the work and research he and his team do here: https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/centre-for-language-and-writing-systems/.  --- If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it - it really helps others discover the podcast - thank you! ☕️ To support the podcast with a small donation, buy us a coffee here. Connect with Laura on Instagram @thelifeofletterspodcast to continue the conversation, share your own lettering journey or suggest topics you'd love to hear about in future episodes. ✍️ To discover more about Laura's calligraphy workshops and more, visit lauralletterslife.com or say hi on Instagram @lauraletterslife. ✨ Download Laura's free Calming Calligraphy workbook. Chapters (00:01:00) - The Fascination with Ancient Inscriptions(00:03:13) - Understanding Ancient Inscriptions(00:06:25) - The Evolution of Writing Systems(00:09:10) - Bridging the Literacy Gap(00:12:24) - The Development of Letters(00:15:04) - The Journey of Letter Formation(00:18:04) - Lost Scripts: Linear A and Linear B(00:22:36) - Deciphering Ancient Scripts(00:29:58) - The Breakthrough of Linear B(00:36:51) - The Emergence of Greek Writing(00:41:02) - Current Studies and Future Directions