Ancient Greek writing can be traced back to the 9th century BC, when the Greeks adopted the Phoenician alphabet and modified it to suit their language. The Phoenician alphabet consisted entirely of consonants, so the Greeks added vowel sounds to create a more complete writing system. The Greek alphabet originally had 24 letters, but over time it evolved into the familiar 24-letter system we know today. The earliest known inscriptions of the Greek alphabet can be found on pottery and gravestones from the 8th century BC. The Greek alphabet had a significant impact on the development of Western civilization. It was the first alphabet to include vowels, making it easier to learn and write. The influence of the Greek alphabet can still be seen today in the modern alphabets of many languages, including English. By studying the origins of the Greek alphabet, historians can gain insights into the cultural exchange and linguistic development of ancient societies. The evolution of writing systems is a key aspect of understanding the history of human communication and the spread of ideas across different cultures.