The Mayan civilization developed a writing system more than 2,300 years ago, several hundred years earlier than previously believed.

Archaeologists reported the discovery of the oldest known example of Mayan writing at a site called San Bartolo. The 10 words -- most of which cannot be deciphered -- were found at what has been called the oldest Mayan burial site.

The writing dates to 300 B.C., about 600 years before a decipherable Mayan writing system became widespread.

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Symbols on the Wall Push Maya Writing Back by Years (The New York Times 1/10)
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