LibyanPunic

LibyanPunic refers to the extinct language spoken in ancient North Africa, primarily in the region of Carthage and its sphere of influence. It is a Semitic language, belonging to the Punic branch of the Phoenician language. Phoenician itself originated in the Levant. As Phoenician colonists established themselves in North Africa, their language evolved independently, leading to what is known as LibyanPunic.

The language was spoken for many centuries, from the Punic Wars in the 3rd century BCE until its eventual decline and replacement by Arabic after the Arab conquest of North Africa in the 7th century CE. While detailed linguistic analysis is challenging due to the limited surviving corpus, LibyanPunic is understood through inscriptions found on stelae, funerary monuments, and coins. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into its grammar, vocabulary, and script, which was derived from the Phoenician alphabet.

Scholarly efforts have focused on deciphering and understanding LibyanPunic texts, with significant contributions made by linguists and epigraphers. Comparative studies with other Semitic languages, particularly Phoenician and Hebrew, have been crucial in reconstructing its features. The study of LibyanPunic is important for understanding the cultural and linguistic landscape of ancient North Africa and the broader impact of Phoenician civilization.