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How Did Aramaic Become the Lingua Franca of the Levant?

See how Aramaic spread across the Near East and became the language of diplomacy and prophecy.

Timeline Focus: 700 BCE

✨The Surprising Reality

By 700 BC, Aramaic inscriptions dotted trade posts from Damascus to Elephantine.

🤔The Context Question

But here's what most people don't realize: the Assyrian Empire adopted Aramaic as an administrative language to control its provinces.

📚What We Know

Papyrus and ostraca from Egypt to Mesopotamia show Aramaic script. Biblical books like Ezra preserve sections in Aramaic. But understanding the linguistic dominance requires examining scripts and trade routes over time.

Explore the Full Context

Jump to 700 BC and see exactly where Aramaic inscriptions appear—discover why this mattered for Old Testament authors.

Explore Interactive Timeline & Map

See the complete historical context with our interactive map and timeline

🔗Related Topics

artifact

Aramaic Inscriptions

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event

Assyrian Expansion

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📖Biblical References

📜Ezra 4:7📜Daniel 2:4

Scripture references supporting this historical context

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