The Original Script of the Hebrew People
Before exile, before corruption, before vowels — discover the pure consonantal script that carried the sacred words of the ancient Hebrews for over a millennium.
Explore the TimelineTrace the journey of Paleo-Hebrew from its origins through millennia of use, transformation, and rediscovery.
Derived from the Proto-Canaanite script, which evolved from Proto-Sinaitic writing systems.
The First True Script of the Hebrews — no vowels, no Greek influence, no rabbinic traditions.
All sacred scrolls — Torah, Judges, Samuel, Kings — originally written in Paleo-Hebrew.
Archaeological Evidence:
Used throughout the days of David, Solomon, Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah — all prophets wrote in this ancient script.
Babylon destroys the Temple; Judah is exiled to Babylon.
Important: Paleo-Hebrew was not immediately abandoned — Torah copies still existed in this script among the faithful.
Ezra and Nehemiah promote Torah reading using Ketav Ashuri (Square Script).
Paleo-Hebrew still used for:
Paleo-Hebrew remained the "holy script" even as Square Script took over public use.
Dead Sea Scrolls contain texts in Early Square Script, but sacred names still written in Paleo-Hebrew.
Demonstrates the enduring sacred status of the ancient script among devoted communities.
Rome destroys the Temple again; Hebrew identity targeted.
By 700-1000 AD, fully replaced by Square Script with vowels under the Masoretes.
Discover the inscriptions and artifacts that preserve this ancient script for modern scholarship.
Agricultural calendar inscription representing one of the earliest examples of Paleo-Hebrew writing, showing the script's use in daily life.
Commemorates the construction of Hezekiah's tunnel in Jerusalem, demonstrating official use of Paleo-Hebrew in royal projects.
Military correspondence written on pottery shards, showing Paleo-Hebrew's use during the final days before Babylonian exile.
Revolutionary leader used Paleo-Hebrew on coins during the revolt, centuries after its decline, showing its enduring sacred status.
Sacred names written in Paleo-Hebrew within Square Script texts, demonstrating reverence for the ancient script.
Numerous inscriptions on pottery, royal seals, and administrative documents spanning centuries of Hebrew history.
Despite political upheavals and cultural changes, Paleo-Hebrew persisted through distinct phases of use and preservation.
The official script of Israel, used for all sacred writings and royal documents throughout the monarchy period.
Still used by faithful communities during Babylonian exile, though under pressure from imperial Aramaic script.
Replaced in public use by Square Script, but preserved for writing the sacred name and ceremonial purposes.
Maintained by faithful scribes and religious communities like the Essenes, who copied sacred names in the ancient script.
Nearly erased from living use, but preserved in archaeological remains until modern rediscovery and study.
Rediscovered through archaeology and manuscript studies — recognized as valid, pure, and historically significant.
Through archaeological discovery and scholarly research, Paleo-Hebrew continues to reveal insights into ancient Hebrew culture, religion, and the transmission of sacred texts.
Today: Rediscovered in archaeology — still valid, still pure, still uncorrupted by later additions.
Historical Significance: Represents the authentic script tradition of ancient Israel, preserved in stone, pottery, and parchment across millennia.
Archaeological Value: Provides crucial insights into Hebrew paleography, biblical manuscripts, and the development of written Hebrew culture.