Ancient Hebrew

Ancient Hebrew is a Semitic language that was spoken and written in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. It is primarily known as the language of much of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh). The script evolved over time, starting from a Phoenician alphabet. Ancient Hebrew includes various dialects and periods, with Classical Hebrew being prominent in religious texts. It played a crucial role in Jewish identity and culture throughout history. Modern Hebrew, the official language of Israel today, is a direct descendant of Ancient Hebrew, revitalized in the 19th and 20th centuries.