Ancient Languages
Languages have been integral to human civilization for millennia. From **Sumerian** (written ~3100 BCE) to **Egyptian Hieroglyphs** (developed ~3200 BCE), early writing systems laid the foundation for communication. Did you know? The **Rosetta Stone** (discovered 1799) was crucial for deciphering Egyptian scripts. [Explore more about ancient languages](/en/linguistics)
Language Evolution
Over time, languages evolved through trade, conquest, and cultural exchange. The **Indo-European language family** (originating in ~1500 BCE) spread across Europe and parts of Asia, giving rise to Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit. [Learn about language families](/en/language_facts)
Modern Languages
Today, over 7,000 languages exist globally. English, Spanish, and Mandarin are among the most widely spoken. For a deeper dive into language development, check our [language timeline](/en/language_history) resource. 📜
Key Milestones
- 1200 BCE: First known alphabetic writing system (Phoenician)
- 1450 CE: Johannes Gutenberg's printing press standardized languages
- 1950s CE: Development of digital communication reshaped language use 💻
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