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Is it possible to decipher all ancient writing systems or are some lost forever?

Sing Kneeshaw

I think it's unlikely that we will be able to decipher all ancient writing systems. Some scripts may simply be too fragmented or absent from the historical record to make any headway. Additionally, the languages themselves may be extinct, meaning that there is no one left alive who speaks them fluently enough to offer clues. But I believe that we should keep trying nonetheless. The sheer amount of progress that has been made in understanding various ancient writing systems over the years is nothing short of remarkable. By comparing and contrasting different scripts, scholars have been able to develop an overarching understanding of how writing works that can be applied to many different languages and cultures. Plus, advancements in technology mean that we have tools at our disposal today that were unimaginable even a few decades ago. With the help of advanced imaging techniques, for instance, it may be possible to peek beneath the surface of fragmented manuscripts and uncover previously unseen text. DNA analysis could also help us to identify the people who used a particular script and may even reveal information about their culture and way of life. So while it is certainly a daunting task to try to decipher all ancient writing systems, I am optimistic that we will continue to make progress in understanding them in the years to come.