Hismaic

Hismaic is an ancient North Arabian script used in the Hisma region, an area encompassing parts of southern Jordan, northwestern Saudi Arabia, and northeastern Egypt. This script emerged sometime in the pre-Islamic period, with inscriptions dating from the 1st century BCE to the 4th century CE. Hismaic inscriptions are primarily found on rocks and archaeological sites within this geographical zone.

The script itself is an alphabet, meaning each symbol represents a consonant, though some vowels can be inferred. It is written from right to left, a common characteristic of Semitic scripts. Hismaic shares many similarities with other Old North Arabian scripts, such as Safaitic and Thamudic, but also possesses distinct features that allow scholars to differentiate it. The content of Hismaic inscriptions is often brief, typically consisting of personal names, tribal affiliations, and short dedications or exclamations, providing valuable insights into the lives and interactions of the ancient peoples of the Hisma. The study of Hismaic contributes to our understanding of the linguistic and cultural landscape of ancient Arabia.