03 Extra Earliest writing in the Alps The inscription on the rim of this Iron Age beaked spout jug found in Castaneda shows the earliest extant writing sample in the Grisons. The letters are Lepontian, arguably from the so-called «Alphabet of Sondrio», which is read from right to left.Photo: Raetian Museum + + There is also a Lepontian inscription on the grave stele from Lugano (Davesco-Soragno, 5th–1st century BC): «slaniai:verkalai:pala/tisiui:piuotialui:pala» («Grave stone for Slania Verkala, daughter of Verkos/Grave stone for Tisios Pivotialos, son of Pivotios»). The stele is on the left of the display case in the exhibition.Photo: Raetian Museum + The Lepontian inscription on the grave stele from Mesocco-Benabbia reads «raneni/ualaunal» («Grave stone for Ranenos Valaunal, son of Valaunos[?]»). This stele is also on the left of the display case in the exhibition.Photo: Raetian Museum +