Stages in Meroitic Writing

Griffith has divided the Meroitic writing into two different forms according to the shape of Meroitic signs at various points in history. The two stages of Meroitic writing were called Archaic and Late. In deciphering Meroitic inscriptions it is important that you refer to Giffith (so you can learn how each Meroitic symbol appeared at various stages in the evolution of the Meroitic writing.

Archaic Meroitic dates from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD.

The Meroitic writing from the 1st century AD to the end of the Meroitic Empire is called Late Meroitic.