The ancient Cretan civilization, often referred to as the “writing civilization,” flourished with the development of three distinct writing systems throughout its history. Among its intriguing artifacts is a remarkably old disc, dating back approximately 3500-4000 years, discovered by Federico Halbherr in 1908. This disc, inscribed with Cretan hieroglyphs, is considered one of the earliest examples of this writing system.
Notably, the markings on this clay disc were not hand-drawn but printed onto the surface, possibly using a press-like method. As a result, some scholars liken this artifact to the precursor of the printing press, while others view it as an early form of written language or even a symbolic marriage certificate. According to some accounts, the disc depicts spiral-shaped images on both faces, with a ceremonial narrative unfolding upon reading both sides. Allegedly, the marriage ceremony of a young girl pledging fidelity before witnesses follows the reading of the inscriptions.
This intriguing artifact is housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Greece, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the ancient Cretan civilization.