Linear B Tablets

Definition

Linear B tablets are ancient inscriptions written in a syllabic script used primarily by the Mycenaean civilization during the late Bronze Age. These tablets contain administrative records, inventories, and information about trade and offerings, showcasing the bureaucratic nature of Mycenaean society and their use of writing for practical purposes rather than literary expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Linear B tablets were primarily discovered at archaeological sites such as Knossos and Pylos, revealing valuable insights into Mycenaean administrative practices.
2. The script used in Linear B was deciphered in the 1950s by Michael Ventris, which allowed researchers to understand more about Mycenaean language and culture.
3. Most Linear B tablets date back to around 1450-1200 BCE, indicating a period of centralized administration and economic control in Mycenaean society.
4. The content of the tablets often includes lists of goods, agricultural records, personnel information, and religious offerings, illustrating the economic activities of the time.
5. Linear B represents one of the earliest forms of written Greek and is significant for understanding the transition from prehistoric to historic Greece.

Review Questions

• How do Linear B tablets reflect the administrative practices of Mycenaean civilization?
  • Linear B tablets provide a direct glimpse into the bureaucratic functions of Mycenaean civilization through their detailed records. They document various aspects of daily life, including trade transactions, agricultural production, and inventory management. This shows that the Mycenaeans had a complex administrative system in place to manage resources effectively and maintain control over their economic activities.
• Analyze the significance of deciphering Linear B in relation to understanding Mycenaean society.
  • The deciphering of Linear B was a groundbreaking achievement that opened up new avenues for understanding Mycenaean society. It revealed that the script encoded an early form of Greek, thus connecting Mycenaean culture to later Greek history. Additionally, it provided insights into their economic structures, social hierarchies, and cultural practices through the content of the tablets, allowing historians to build a more comprehensive picture of this ancient civilization.
• Evaluate how Linear B tablets contribute to our knowledge about trade and economic systems in Bronze Age Greece.
  • Linear B tablets significantly enhance our understanding of trade and economic systems in Bronze Age Greece by detailing inventories and records related to goods exchanged. They highlight the importance of agriculture and livestock management in Mycenaean economies and indicate a structured approach to resource allocation. Moreover, they reveal interactions with other cultures through trade networks, illustrating how economic practices shaped societal development during this period.

Related terms

Mycenaean Civilization: An ancient Greek civilization that flourished from approximately 1600 to 1100 BCE, known for its palatial states, advanced art and architecture, and significant contributions to early Greek culture.

Syllabary: A set of written symbols that represent syllables, used in various writing systems, including Linear B for encoding the Mycenaean language.

Palace of Knossos: A significant archaeological site on the island of Crete that served as a major center for the Minoan civilization, influencing Mycenaean culture and trade.