Scientists Find Evidence of First Writing in New World

NPR | By Eric Niiler

Published December 9, 2002 at 12:00 AM EST

Archaeologists believe they may have identified the first people in the Western Hemisphere who knew how to write. The Olmec people, who lived in what is now southern Mexico, left behind the carving of a single bird that researchers say may be a clue to an entire language. NPR's Eric Niiler reports.

Eric Niiler

Eric Niiler reports for NPR's national desk. His work can be heard on All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and other NPR newsmagazines. Before moving to his current post, Niiler was a reporter for NPR's Day to Day program, and also filed pieces for NPR's national and science desks.

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