Manichaean Letter Bheth

𐫂 is a letter used to spell words in Manichaean writing.

Bheth is a marked relative of Beth (𐫁) in the same letter system. Its job is to represent part of a written word, rather than a complete word or message by itself.

Where did the Manichaean script come from?

It grew from Aramaic writing traditions.

Manichaeism began in third-century CE Babylonia. The script likely adapted a form close to Palmyrene Aramaic and Syriac Estrangela, two styles of Aramaic writing. The Mandaic script shares some spelling conventions, and related letter forms appear on Mesopotamian magic bowls—inscribed vessels used in ritual practice.

Manichaean writing helped record and circulate religious teachings that Mani wanted protected from later alteration. Scribes used it for Middle Persian, Parthian, Sogdian, Bactrian, and Uyghur. Uyghur royal patronage from 762 to around 1000 helped preserve a Central Asian book tradition in the script.

Why does 𐫂 change shape in a word?

Bheth joins on both sides, so neighbors shape its outline.

Manichaean is written from right to left. A font with Manichaean shaping support draws an isolated form or a connected form according to the letters beside it. The character stays the same even when joining changes its outline.