Writing Around the Ancient Mediterranean_contents_Print_1.indb

The book is structured thematically, covering various writing systems, including Egyptian hieroglyphs, Cuneiform, Linear A and B, the Phoenician alphabet, and early Greek scripts. Each chapter delves into the specific context of these scripts, discussing their origins, functions, and adaptations by different communities. The authors emphasize the dynamic and interconnected nature of writing in the ancient Mediterranean, highlighting how different cultures borrowed, adapted, and transformed writing practices to suit their unique needs.

One of the strengths of this book is its interdisciplinary approach. Steele and Boyes draw on a wide range of evidence, from archaeological findings and inscriptions to literary sources, to provide a nuanced understanding of writing as a cultural and social phenomenon. They do not treat writing merely as a tool for communication but explore its role in administration, trade, religion, and identity formation. The book also examines the material aspects of writing, such as the media used (stone, clay, papyrus, etc.) and the technologies of inscription, which provide a fuller picture of how these scripts functioned in everyday life.

Another notable aspect of this work is its focus on lesser-known scripts and their interactions with more dominant writing systems.