The twisting path of runes from the Greek alphabet

Abstract

This paper argues that the direct source for the creation of Germanic runes was the Greek alphabet as used in Gaul around the middle of the last century BC, a period that saw a significant influx of Germani into that area. A number of the departures from the source are accordingly due to the influence of specifically Gaulish rather than purely Greek usage, while other features are due to the adapter’s own independent treatment. The adapter was likely a well-born Germanus who learnt the Greek alphabet from a literate Gaul resident in Gaul or Germania.