China: discovered 5,000-year-old writing

Chinese archaeologists say they have found some at least 5,000 year old texts on fragments of two ancient stone axes that have been excavated.

Fragment of stone ax is part of the artefact warehouse - (Photo: BBC News)

Previously the oldest Chinese writing ever known, found on animal bones, known as 'epiphany' dates back to about 3,300 years. That means their age is older than China's oldest writing for 1,700 years.

Fragments of two ancient stone axes are part of artifacts excavated from 2003-2006 at the southern ruins of Shanghai city. Chinese archaeologists take a long time to study and discover some of the features engraved on it.

Cao Jinyan, a famous scholar of ancient writing, said: " These texts may be the earliest form of writing. Although we cannot read the meaning of the words" etched on it "correctly. But we are sure it is a kind of word, even though it seems a bit rudimentary. "

The oldest writing in the world is believed to have originated in Mesopotamia, which is 'older' than 5,000 years.