Language is one of the most defining aspects of human civilization. It has shaped cultures, preserved histories, and connected people across generations. But for every language that thrives today, countless others have vanished into the abyss of history. Some were replaced by dominant tongues, others erased through conquest, colonization, or the slow erosion of time.
Extinct languages offer us a glimpse into worlds that no longer exist. While there are those that left behind rich written records, others have faded so completely that we can only guess at their sounds and structures. Curious? Click through this gallery to explore some of the most fascinating languages that once thrived but have now been silenced.