History of the Greek Alphabet

The Greek alphabet emerged from the Phoenician writing system at some point between 800–700 BCE【. The Mycenaean Linear B script that preceded it was lost during the Greek Dark Age, leaving the Greeks without a writing system until they adopted and adapted Phoenician characters【. Unlike its predecessors, the Greek alphabet included vowels, making it the first true alphabet【889936359942113†L88-L96】.

Development and Adoption

Initially, Greek letters closely resembled their Phoenician counterparts, but over time the shapes and sounds evolved. The word “alphabet” is itself of Greek origin, derived from the names of the first two letters, alpha and beta【889936359942113†L88-L96】. Early Greek inscriptions appear on pottery and votive objects; by the 8th century BCE the alphabet was used to record epic poetry such as the Iliad and the Odyssey【889936359942113†L97-L103】.

From the 8th century onward the Greek alphabet facilitated a flourishing of literature, philosophy, science and administration. The script was later adopted by the Etruscans and transmitted to the Romans, forming the basis of the Latin alphabet used by much of the world today.

Vowels and Consonants

The alphabet’s seven vowels—α, ε, η, ι, ο, υ and ω—were a major innovation. These vowels allowed Greek writers to represent the sounds of their language accurately, whereas earlier Semitic scripts recorded only consonants【889936359942113†L88-L96】. The remaining letters are consonants, divided into semivowels, mutes and double consonants【974370452565101†L50-L84】.

Evolution and Influence

Regional variants of the alphabet developed, but the Ionic (Eastern) version became standard in Athens in 403 BCE and has continued in use ever since. Over the centuries different scripts—uncial, cursive and minuscule—emerged to make writing faster【359565268256060†L242-L256】. Today, the same 24 letters are still employed in modern Greek.