Definition: "Altigraph" is an ancient Greek term used in ancient Near Eastern studies to describe a series of marks or symbols placed on a document, tablet, or other written material that were often used for identifying it as belonging to a specific time period or authorship. The word comes from the Greek "altigia," meaning "mark" or "symbol." It is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt and was used to distinguish between different periods of writing. The "marks" on the document included both capital letters, small symbols, and simple figures (like circles), which were often placed around the text itself. The precise definition varies depending on the context and the specific term being used. However, generally speaking, an altigraph would be a series of marks or symbols that could be read as either individual words or parts of a word, such as "Easter" or "Pentecost." Altigraphs are important in archaeology, as they can provide invaluable information about the chronology and literary origins of texts. They also serve as a visual aid for scholars interested in understanding historical events through written records. It's worth noting that altigraphs were not always used by scholars, but rather as a tool for identifying ancient writing styles and authors. The meaning of "altigraph" has been widely misunderstood or misinterpreted over time due to various cultural and linguistic influences.

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