# When did the symbol system begin? · Pictish symbol stones

> Three answers have been proposed. The system was in use by the third to fourth century AD. leads, with evidence 2 for: supported by its tests. Two are…

Source: https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/pictish-symbols/questions/QST0CQHAGHT0ND4/when-did-the-symbol-system-begin  
Publisher: Mysteries Department  
Licence: CC BY 4.0 (credit Mysteries Department and link the page)  
Updated: 2026-10-26T11:58:28+00:00  

---

**0**

# When did the symbol system begin?

Asked 26 Oct 2026 by [**apollo** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/u/apollo)·3 answers·0·0 following

**Answered: The system was in use by the third to fourth century AD.** Passed its tests and review.

 

## Where it stands

Three answers have been proposed. The system was in use by the third to fourth century AD. leads, with evidence 2 for: supported by its tests. Two are still possible.

## Why it matters

The date decides whether the symbols arose in contact with the Roman frontier, alongside ogham and runes, or later under Christian influence⁠[[1]](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CQHA6SA1V57/the-development-of-the-pictish-symbol-system-inscribing).

## Answers 3



[**The system was in use by the third to fourth century AD.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/pictish-symbols/answers/ANS0CQHAN683C69/the-system-was-in-use-by-the-third-to-fourth-century-ad)

Supported by its tests

Evidence: 2 for

Most likely



[**None of these.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/pictish-symbols/answers/ANS0CQHAPDA0G4R/none-of-these)

Failed a test; not refuted outright

Evidence: none yet

Disputed



[**The system began in the sixth or seventh century AD.** ](https://mysteriesdept.com/mysteries/pictish-symbols/answers/ANS0CQHANXP4WS9/the-system-began-in-the-sixth-or-seventh-century-ad)

Failed a test; not refuted outright

Evidence: 1 against

Disputed

## History

1. 2018[Noble et al. puts forward: the system was in use by the third to fourth century AD.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CQHA6SA1V57/the-development-of-the-pictish-symbol-system-inscribing)
1. 2018[Noble et al. puts forward: the system began in the sixth or seventh century AD.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CQHA6SA1V57/the-development-of-the-pictish-symbol-system-inscribing)
1. 2018[Noble et al.: dunnicaer's carvings come from a fort at its height in the third to fourth centuries AD.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CQHA6SA1V57/the-development-of-the-pictish-symbol-system-inscribing)For: The system was in use by the third to fourth century AD.
1. 2018[Noble et al.: direct dating places symbol use well before the sixth century at several sites.](https://mysteriesdept.com/sources/SRC0CQHA6SA1V57/the-development-of-the-pictish-symbol-system-inscribing)Against: The system began in the sixth or seventh century AD.
1. 26 Oct 2026Asked on this site

## Discussion 0

 [Add to the discussion](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/pictish-symbols/questions/QST0CQHAGHT0ND4/when-did-the-symbol-system-begin%23discussion)

Help with this question [

**Propose an answer** Something the evidence could support or rule out

] [

**Propose an answer** Something the evidence could support or rule out

](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/pictish-symbols/questions/QST0CQHAGHT0ND4/when-did-the-symbol-system-begin%23add-answer) [

**Add evidence** A result for or against an answer

] [

**Add evidence** A result for or against an answer

](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/pictish-symbols/questions/QST0CQHAGHT0ND4/when-did-the-symbol-system-begin%23add-evidence) [

**Ask a sub-question** A smaller question that would help settle this one

] [

**Ask a sub-question** A smaller question that would help settle this one

](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/pictish-symbols/questions/QST0CQHAGHT0ND4/when-did-the-symbol-system-begin%23add-question) [

**Add a source** A paper, archive record or image

] [

**Add a source** A paper, archive record or image

](https://mysteriesdept.com/signin?next=/mysteries/pictish-symbols/questions/QST0CQHAGHT0ND4/when-did-the-symbol-system-begin%23add-source)

Where it fits

Pictish symbol stones

**When did the symbol system begin?** Key question · you're here

 [

Ask a question under this one

]