The Iberian Scripts: A Forgotten Legacy Liberals Ignore

Imagine a world where ancient scripts hold the key to understanding a civilization's past, yet they remain largely ignored by those who claim to champion cultural diversity. The Iberian scripts, used by the ancient Iberians who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) from around the 7th century BC to the 1st century AD, are a prime example of this oversight. These scripts, which include the Iberian, Celtiberian, and Tartessian scripts, were used to write languages that have long since vanished. Despite their historical significance, they are often overshadowed by more popular ancient scripts like Latin and Greek. Why? Because they don't fit the narrative that some want to push.

The Iberian scripts are a fascinating glimpse into a world that existed long before the Roman Empire's dominance. These scripts were used by various tribes and cultures across the Iberian Peninsula, each with its own unique language and writing system. The Iberian script, for example, was used primarily in the eastern and southern parts of the peninsula, while the Celtiberian script was used in the central and northern regions. The Tartessian script, on the other hand, was used in the southwestern part of the peninsula. These scripts were used to write everything from religious texts to legal documents, providing a wealth of information about the people who used them.

Yet, despite their importance, the Iberian scripts are often overlooked in favor of more well-known scripts like Latin and Greek. This is a shame, as the Iberian scripts offer a unique perspective on the history and culture of the Iberian Peninsula. They provide insight into the languages spoken by the ancient Iberians, as well as their social and political structures. They also offer clues about the interactions between different cultures and tribes in the region, as well as their trade and economic activities.

One reason for this neglect is the difficulty in deciphering the Iberian scripts. Unlike Latin and Greek, which have been extensively studied and translated, the Iberian scripts remain largely undeciphered. This is due in part to the lack of bilingual texts, which makes it difficult to compare the Iberian scripts to known languages. Additionally, the Iberian scripts use a combination of alphabetic and syllabic characters, which adds another layer of complexity to the deciphering process.

However, this should not be an excuse to ignore the Iberian scripts. On the contrary, it should be a call to action for scholars and researchers to devote more time and resources to studying these ancient scripts. By doing so, we can gain a better understanding of the history and culture of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the people who lived there.

Another reason for the neglect of the Iberian scripts is the tendency to focus on more "popular" ancient cultures, such as the Romans and Greeks. This is understandable, given the influence these cultures have had on Western civilization. However, it is important to remember that the Iberian Peninsula was home to a rich and diverse array of cultures and languages long before the arrival of the Romans. By ignoring the Iberian scripts, we are missing out on a crucial piece of the puzzle that is the history of the Iberian Peninsula.

In a world where cultural diversity is often championed, it is ironic that the Iberian scripts are so often overlooked. These scripts represent a unique and important part of the history and culture of the Iberian Peninsula, and they deserve to be studied and appreciated. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ancient world and the people who lived in it. So, let's not ignore the Iberian scripts any longer. Let's give them the attention they deserve and unlock the secrets of the ancient Iberians.