12 Οκτωβρίου: Διάλεξη της Dr. Willemijn Waal (Leiden University): ” The real age of the Greek alphabet. Rethinking the transmission of alphabetic writing from ‘East’ to ‘West’ “

Posted on 23 Σεπτεμβρίου, 2026, updated on 23 Σεπτεμβρίου, 2026 by nia.gr

‘Cup of Nestor’, from Pithekoussai (Ischia), Italy.

The NIA is happy to invite you to a lecture by

Dr. Willemijn Waal (Leiden University)

“ The real age of the Greek alphabet. Rethinking the transmission of alphabetic writing from ‘East’ to ‘West’ ”

Monday 12 October 2026, 18.00

at the Netherlands Institute at Athens, Makri 11, 11742, Athens

Abstract:
It is generally assumed that the alphabet was introduced to Greece in or shortly before the 8th century BCE, after a period of some four centuries without writing. Recent insights and discoveries as well as new 14C dates, however, suggest that this paradigm is in need of revision. Based on epigraphic, linguistic and archaeological evidence this paper will argue that the Greek alphabet is substantially older than its first surviving attestations, and that there was no long illiterate ‘Dark Age’ in the Aegean.

All are welcome!
The event will also be streamed live. To register, please click here.

Source of illustration (Click for higher resolution image)

Votives from the Athena Lindia Sanctuary in Rhodes at the National Museum of Denmark. Photo: John Lee

Open Call for Papers “The Constant Participant: Constructing and Affirming Identity through Material Culture in Ancient Greek Sanctuaries and Modern Museums (Αθήνα, 8-10 Μαΐου 2024)

(Picture: Votives from the Athena Lindia Sanctuary in Rhodes at the National Museum of Denmark. Photo: John Lee) We are happy to share this open Call for Papers for a Conference that the NIA organizes in cooperation with our colleagues from the Danish Institute at Athens and the Finnish Institute at Athens and which […]

14 Σεπτεμβρίου: “Philosophy of Technology. A Chinese-Continental Perspective” (Συνέδριο)

We are happy to host and support the conference “Philosophy of Technology. A Chinese-Continental Perspective” that is organized by the Department of Philosophy of the University of Patras and will take place on 14 September at the NIA. Yuk Hui, Fabian Heubel, Kejun Xia and Susanna Lindberg will be discussing about Cosmotechnics, Planetary Technonature, Logos […]

Nature and Human Nature in Ancient Greek Philosophy and its Reception (Διεθνές Συμπόσιο, 3 Οκτωβρίου)

We are happy to announce the International Symposium Nature and Human Nature in Ancient Greek Philosophy and its Reception that will take place at our premises on October 3rd, 2023. The Symposium is organized by The Netherlands Institute at Athens and Dr. Melina G. Mouzala, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy of the University of Patras […]

20 Σεπτεμβρίου Διάλεξη ΤΕΧΝΗ: The cross-overs between three pyrotechnologies: Pre-Roman pottery, metalware, and glassware (Dr. Despina Ignatiadou, National Archaeological Museum Athens)

The Netherlands Institute at Athens, in collaboration with the Royal Museums of Art and History Brussels, The National Archaeological Museum Athens, The Archaeological Research Unit of the University of Cyprus, The École française d’Athènes and The University College Roosevelt (NL) are very pleased to announce a lecture by Dr Despina Ignatiadou, National Archaeological Museum Athens “The […]