Olmec inscriptions: oldest writing in Americas

A stone block unearthed in Mexico and covered in carved patterns is thought to be the oldest example of writing found in the Americas.

Archaeologists believe the writing on the 26lb (12kg) block could date back to the first millennium BC. Road builders digging in a gravel quarry found the 14x8in (35x20cm) block at Cascajal, Veracruz. It is thought to be the work of the Olmec civilisation, which may have laid the foundations for the future Mayan and Aztec empires.

Posted by David on September 14, 2006 8:29 PM