Proto-Semitic's the hypothetical proto-language of the Semitic languages. Dating The earliest attestations of a Semitic language are in Akkadian, dating to ca. the 23rd century BC (see Sargon of Akkad) and Eblaite. Early inscriptions in the (pre-)Proto-Canaanite alphabet, presumably by speakers of a Semitic language, date to ca. 1800 BC. The specific appearance of the donkey (an African animal) in proto Semitic but total absence of any reference to wheeled vehicles rather narrowly dates proto… (More on Proto-semitic)