SUMERIAN

~ 3100 BCE, Mesopotamia

Some Sumerian words have influenced modern languages, though they are not used directly in everyday speech. Many Sumerian words were adopted into Akkadian and subsequently influenced other Semitic languages, including Hebrew and Arabic. Here are a few examples:

1. Ekur – In Sumerian, “Ekur” meant “house of the mountain.” It referred to the temple dedicated to the god Enlil. In Akkadian, this became “ēkurru,” and while the exact term isn’t used today, the concept of a temple or a holy sanctuary has persisted in various forms in Middle Eastern cultures.

2. Ginnu – Meaning “garden” in Sumerian, influenced the Akkadian word “ginnu” and later the Hebrew word “gan” (as in “Gan Eden,” or the Garden of Eden). The concept of a garden as a cultivated space has continued in various cultures.

3. Eme – Meaning “tongue” or “language” in Sumerian, this influenced the Akkadian word “umu” and is related to the Hebrew word “lashon” (tongue/language). The notion of language and speech as essential human traits has carried through into modern languages.

4. Ensi – Meaning “ruler” or “prince” in Sumerian, this term influenced the Akkadian word “ensi,” which later evolved in various Semitic languages to refer to leaders or rulers.

5. Dub – Meaning “tablet” in Sumerian, it influenced the Akkadian word “dubbû” and has persisted in the context of writing and recording information, although the term itself isn’t directly used today.

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN

 ~3000 BCE, Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptian has also left its mark on modern languages, especially through Greek and Latin intermediaries. Here are some Egyptian words and their meanings that have made their way into modern usage:

1. Abyss – Derived from the Egyptian word “abhw,” meaning “the abyss,” it entered Greek as “abyssos,” meaning “bottomless” or “deep.”

2. Chemistry – The word “chemistry” comes from the Egyptian word “keme,” meaning “black earth,” referring to the fertile soil of the Nile valley. This term evolved into “alchemy” in Arabic and later into “chemistry” in English.

3. Pharaoh – From the Egyptian “pr-aa,” meaning “great house,” which referred to the royal palace and later the king himself. This term was adopted into Greek as “pharaō,” and then into English as “pharaoh.”

4. Sphinx – Derived from the Egyptian word “shesep-ankh,” meaning “living image,” referring to the Great Sphinx of Giza. The term was adopted into Greek as “sphinx” and entered English with the same spelling.

5. Oasis – The word “oasis” comes from the Egyptian “wḥ3t” (wah), which means “dwelling place” or “oasis.” It was adopted into Greek as “oasis” and subsequently into English.

6. Ebony – Derived from the Egyptian word “hbnj,” referring to the black wood imported from Nubia. This term entered Greek as “ebenos” and later Latin as “ebenum,” and finally English as “ebony.”

7. Ivory – From the Egyptian word “âb,” meaning “elephant” or “ivory,” it entered Latin as “ebur” and later evolved into English as “ivory.”

8. Cartouche – Derived from the Egyptian word “cartouche,” referring to the oval or oblong frame surrounding a royal name. It was adopted into French as “cartouche” and then into English.

AKKADIAN

~2500 BCE, Mesopotamia

Akkadian, has influenced modern languages, particularly through Hebrew, Arabic, and other Semitic languages. Here are some Akkadian words and their meanings that have found their way into modern usage:

1. Abzu – The Akkadian word “abzu” (from Sumerian “abzu”) referred to the primeval sea or underground water reservoir. This term influenced later mythological and religious concepts related to the abyss or deep waters.

2. Etemenanki – The Akkadian name for the ziggurat in Babylon, meaning “House of the Foundation of Heaven and Earth.” The concept of a tall, sacred structure has influenced architectural and religious terms in various cultures.

3. Karu – In Akkadian, “karu” meant a “quay” or “port.” This influenced later terms in languages such as Hebrew (“kar”), referring to a place by the water.

4. Naru – The Akkadian word “naru” meant “stele” or “inscribed stone.” This concept influenced the use of monumental inscriptions in various cultures.

5. Shamash – The Akkadian word “Shamash” referred to the sun god. While the exact word isn’t used today, the influence of solar deities named Shamash can be seen in various Semitic religions.

6. Ziggurat – Derived from the Akkadian word “ziqqurat,” meaning “high” or “raised up.” This term is directly used today to refer to the ancient Mesopotamian temple towers.

7. Adad – The Akkadian name for the storm and rain god, also known as Hadad in other Semitic cultures. The influence of this deity’s name can be seen in related mythologies and religious texts.

8. Gilgamesh – The name of the famous king and hero of the Akkadian epic. While the name itself is used directly to refer to the epic and its protagonist, it has also influenced literary and cultural references to heroic figures.

9. Tammuz – The Akkadian name “Tammuz” (Dumuzi in Sumerian) refers to a deity associated with fertility and agriculture. This name has persisted in various forms in Hebrew and other Semitic languages.

10. Babel – Derived from the Akkadian “Bab-ilu,” meaning “Gate of God,” referring to Babylon. This term has influenced religious and literary references to the Tower of Babel and the city of Babylon.

ELAMITE

~2300 BCE, Iran

Elamite, an ancient language spoken in what is now southwestern Iran, has had less influence on modern languages compared to Sumerian, Akkadian, and Egyptian. However, its cultural and linguistic interactions with neighboring civilizations, such as Mesopotamia and Persia, have left some traces. Here are a few ways in which Elamite words or influences might still be seen today:

1. Susiana – The name “Susiana,” referring to the region around the ancient city of Susa, comes from the Elamite word “Šušan” (Susa). While the exact word isn’t used today, the historical name persists in archaeological and historical contexts.

2. Hutran – The Elamite god Hutran has left traces in the religious and mythological narratives of the region. While the exact name isn’t used today, it has influenced regional religious practices and mythology.

3. Elam – The name “Elam” itself, referring to the ancient kingdom and its people, comes from the Elamite “Haltamti.” This term has been used historically and is still used in historical and archaeological contexts.

4. Anshan – The name “Anshan,” referring to an ancient city and region in Elam, comes from the Elamite “Anzan.” This name is still used in historical and archaeological references.

HITTITE

~1600 BCE, Anatolia

The Hittite language, an ancient Indo-European language spoken by the Hittite civilization in what is now Turkey, has had a lasting impact on some modern terms, mainly through its influence on later languages and historical references. Here are some Hittite words and their meanings that have influenced modern usage:

1. Tarhunt – The Hittite storm god, Tarhunt (also known as Tarhunna or Tarhuna), has influenced the names and concepts of storm gods in later cultures. While the exact name isn’t commonly used today, its influence can be seen in mythological studies.

2. Hattusa – The name of the Hittite capital, Hattusa (or Hattusha), is still used today in historical and archaeological contexts to refer to the ancient city.

3. Panku – The Hittite word “panku,” meaning “assembly” or “all,” influenced later concepts of communal gatherings. While the exact term isn’t used today, its influence persists in the idea of assemblies or councils.

4. Nesa – The name “Nesa,” referring to an ancient city (also known as Kanesh), has influenced the naming of historical sites and studies related to the Hittite civilization.

5. Luwian – The term “Luwian” (referring to a language closely related to Hittite) is used in historical linguistics to describe the language and culture of the Luwians, who were contemporaries of the Hittites.

6. Kussara – The name of the ancient Hittite city “Kussara” is still used in historical and archaeological contexts to refer to the site and its significance in Hittite history.

OLD CHINESE 

~1200 BCE, China

Many Old Chinese words have survived into modern Chinese languages, often retaining similar meanings. Here are some examples of Old Chinese words that are still in use today, along with their meanings:

1. 天 (tiān) – Meaning “sky” or “heaven.” This word has been in continuous use since ancient times and retains its meaning in modern Chinese.

2. 人 (rén) – Meaning “person” or “human.” This character has been consistently used to refer to people from Old Chinese to modern Mandarin.

3. 日 (rì) – Meaning “sun” or “day.” This character is still used in modern Chinese with the same meanings.

4. 月 (yuè) – Meaning “moon” or “month.” This word remains unchanged in its use and meaning.

5. 水 (shuǐ) – Meaning “water.” This character continues to represent water in modern Chinese.

6. 火 (huǒ) – Meaning “fire.” The character has retained its meaning from Old Chinese to the present day.

7. 山 (shān) – Meaning “mountain.” This word has been used to describe mountains since ancient times.

8. 木 (mù) – Meaning “wood” or “tree.” The character is still used in modern Chinese with the same meanings.

9. 鱼 (yú) – Meaning “fish.” This word has kept its meaning from Old Chinese to modern Chinese.

10. 牛 (niú) – Meaning “cow” or “ox.” This character remains in use with the same meaning.

11. 鸟 (niǎo) – Meaning “bird.” The character continues to represent birds in modern Chinese.

12. 马 (mǎ) – Meaning “horse.” This word has been used to refer to horses from ancient times to the present.

13. 石 (shí) – Meaning “stone.” This character is still used in modern Chinese with the same meaning.

14. 子 (zǐ) – Meaning “child” or “son.” This word remains in use today, often in compound words or names.

15. 大 (dà) – Meaning “big” or “large.” The character has retained its meaning through the ages.

16. 小 (xiǎo) – Meaning “small.” This word is still used in modern Chinese with the same meaning.

SANSKRIT

~1200 BCE, Ancient India

Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages with a rich literary tradition, has significantly influenced many modern languages, particularly those in the Indian subcontinent. Here are some Sanskrit words that are still in use today, along with their meanings:

1. Namaste (नमस्ते) – A traditional greeting meaning “I bow to you.” It is commonly used in modern Hindi and other Indian languages.

2. Guru (गुरु) – Meaning “teacher” or “master.” This word is widely used in English and many other languages to refer to an expert or mentor.

3. Yoga (योग) – Meaning “union” or “discipline.” This word is widely used in modern languages to refer to the physical, mental, and spiritual practices originating from ancient India.

4. Karma (कर्म) – Meaning “action” or “deed.” This term is commonly used in English and other languages to refer to the concept of cause and effect in moral and ethical contexts.

5. Dharma (धर्म) – Meaning “duty,” “law,” or “righteousness.” This word is still used in modern Indian languages and in English to refer to ethical principles and moral duties.

6. Mantra (मन्त्र) – Meaning “a sacred utterance” or “incantation.” This term is used in modern languages to refer to repeated phrases or slogans that hold spiritual or motivational significance.

7. Avatar (अवतार) – Meaning “descent” or “incarnation.” In modern usage, it refers to a manifestation or representation, especially in digital contexts.

8. Raja (राजा) – Meaning “king.” This word is still used in modern Indian languages and has influenced the English term “raj,” referring to British rule in India.

9. Moksha (मोक्ष) – Meaning “liberation” or “release.” This term is used in modern spiritual contexts to refer to the concept of ultimate freedom or enlightenment.

10. Sutra (सूत्र) – Meaning “thread” or “aphorism.” This word is used in modern languages to refer to succinct statements or teachings.

11. Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद) – Meaning “knowledge of life.” This term is used in modern contexts to refer to the traditional Indian system of medicine.

12. Bhakti (भक्ति) – Meaning “devotion” or “love.” This term is used in modern spiritual contexts to refer to a form of devotion or worship.

13. Pundit (पण्डित) – Meaning “learned person” or “scholar.” This term is used in modern languages to refer to experts or specialists in various fields.

14. Nirvana (निर्वाण) – Meaning “extinction” or “liberation.” This term is used in modern spiritual contexts to refer to a state of perfect peace or enlightenment.

15. Veda (वेद) – Meaning “knowledge” or “wisdom.” This term is used to refer to the ancient sacred texts of Hinduism and in broader contexts to signify deep knowledge.

MYCENAEAN GREEK

~1450 BCE, Greece

Mycenaean Greek is the earliest recorded form of the Greek language, dating back to the 15th to the 12th century BCE. It was written in the Linear B script. Some words from Mycenaean Greek have survived into Classical Greek and modern Greek, often retaining similar meanings. Here are some examples:

1. Wanax (ϝάναξ) – Meaning “king” or “lord.” In Classical Greek, this evolved into “anax” (ἄναξ), a term used for a ruler or lord. While not commonly used in modern Greek, the concept persists in titles and historical references.

2. Qasireu (𐀢𐀯𐀩) – Meaning “local leader” or “chieftain,” which evolved into “basileus” (βασιλεύς) in Classical Greek, meaning “king.” The modern Greek word “vasilias” (βασιλιάς) still means “king.”

3. Damos (𐀅𐀖𐀔) – Meaning “community” or “village,” which evolved into “demos” (δῆμος) in Classical Greek, meaning “people” or “population.” This term is still present in modern Greek in words like “democracy” (δημοκρατία, dimokratia), meaning “rule of the people.”

4. Poseidaon (𐀡𐀯𐀆𐀙) – Referring to the god Poseidon, which is the same in Classical and modern Greek (Ποσειδών, Poseidón).

5. Diwe (𐀇𐀹) – Referring to the god Zeus, which is “Dios” (Διός) in Classical Greek and “Zeus” (Ζευς) in modern Greek.

6. Eleutheros (𐀁𐀋𐀳𐀩𐀡) – Meaning “free” or “freeman,” which evolved into “eleutheros” (ἐλεύθερος) in Classical Greek and is still used in modern Greek (ελεύθερος) with the same meaning.

7. Melit (𐀔𐀩𐀳) – Meaning “honey,” which evolved into “meli” (μέλι) in Classical Greek and is still “meli” (μέλι) in modern Greek.

8. Olispos (𐀍𐀨𐀢𐀦) – Meaning “olive,” which evolved into “elaia” (ἐλαία) in Classical Greek and “elia” (ελιά) in modern Greek.

9. Hippos (𐀂𐀦) – Meaning “horse,” which is “hippos” (ἵππος) in Classical Greek and is still used in compounds in modern Greek, such as “hippodrome” (ιππόδρομος), meaning “horse racecourse.”

10. Matos (𐀖𐀳) – Meaning “eye,” which is “ophthalmos” (ὀφθαλμός) in Classical Greek and “mati” (μάτι) in modern Greek.