Linear A

The linear script A is next to the Cretan Hieroglyphics one of the two writing systems of the Minoan civilization of Crete. It was used from the 17th to the 15th century BC, and has so far only partially deciphered. Their use is attested from periods MM II to LM IB of the Minoan culture. It was written from left to right. From Linear A script which is adapted to the Greek Linear B and Cypro - Minoan script were developed later. Since the derived fonts (mainly ) are syllabic scripts, it is likely also the case of linear A is a syllabary.

Description

Known are about 70 syllable characters, 100 characters with word meaning, some of which were combined with syllabic signs and determined closer, as well as various numeral. Although the font underlying Minoan language is unknown and so far no known language family could be assigned, can the phonetic value of many syllabic signs by comparisons with the Linear B open more or less.

The large number of logographic characters enables content indexing aufgefundener texts. It is believed that the incised on clay tablets notes often served the administration so that their decipherment would in particular allow for conclusions to economic conditions of the era. Most of the texts are apparently lists, in detail, containing the so-called Libationsformel, it is probably Dedikationsinschriften; longer texts missing.

For writing in sound is the scribing of lines, as in the linear scripts, not very suitable. It is therefore assumed that was mainly written to others, not very durable materials such as papyrus or parchment. The clay tablets were probably notes, which were kept for only a short time. Get it remained us probably only because they were burned by fires and thus preserved for millennia.

Some signs of Linear A are very similar to the archaic archetypes of the Mesopotamian cuneiform. A relationship between the two writing systems that could pave a way of understanding the Linear A inscriptions, therefore, is considered possible, although because of the time interval considered unlikely.

Related Topics

• Aegean writing systems
• Linear B
• Byblos font
• Several thousand years older are the " Vinča signs " of the Vinča Culture of the Balkans.