By Associated Press
Tuscaloosa, AL – An ancient slab of green stone inscribed with insects, ears of corn, fish and other symbols found in Mexico represents an exciting discovery for a University of Alabama anthropology professor. The tablet -- covered with faintly etched symbols made by the ancient Olmec civilization -- is the earliest known writing in the Western Hemisphere, according to a paper published in the journal Science this week by U-A's Richard Diehl and six other anthropologists. Diehl has devoted his entire career, nearly 40 years, to studying the Olmecs and is considered one of the world's leading authorities on the civilization. The Olmecs existed from about 1500 B-C to 400 B-C. Since 1998, Diehl has served as Director of the Alabama Museum of Natural History and Executive Director of University of Alabama Museums. He also trains graduate students, often involving them in projects.