Linear B Script

Definition

Linear B is a syllabic script that was used in Mycenaean Greece for writing an early form of Greek. It served as the primary writing system for the Mycenaean civilization, providing insight into their administration, economy, and culture during the Bronze Age. The script is particularly significant because it is one of the earliest forms of written Greek and reflects the complexities of Mycenaean society, including their trade practices and religious rituals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Linear B was deciphered by Michael Ventris in 1952, revealing that it recorded an early form of Greek used primarily for administrative purposes.
2. The script consists of around 90 signs, with each sign representing either a syllable or a specific word, showcasing the advanced linguistic capabilities of the Mycenaeans.
3. Linear B inscriptions have been found on clay tablets, pots, and other artifacts, primarily in major Mycenaean centers like Pylos and Knossos.
4. The content of Linear B tablets often includes records of goods, inventories, and transactions, indicating a highly organized economic system within Mycenaean society.
5. The use of Linear B declined after the Bronze Age Collapse around 1200 BCE, leading to a period where writing almost disappeared until later re-emerged in classical Greece.

Review Questions

• How does Linear B Script reflect the administrative practices of Mycenaean civilization?
  • Linear B Script serves as a crucial record of Mycenaean administrative practices by documenting various aspects of their economy. The clay tablets featuring Linear B contain detailed inventories and lists of goods that highlight a complex bureaucratic system. This indicates that the Mycenaeans had advanced methods for managing resources and trade, which were essential for maintaining their palatial centers and supporting their society.
• Discuss the significance of the decipherment of Linear B Script in understanding Mycenaean culture.
  • The decipherment of Linear B Script was pivotal because it provided scholars with direct insight into Mycenaean culture, revealing not only their language but also aspects of their daily life. The content of the tablets showed that the Mycenaeans engaged in organized trade and had specific religious practices, as evidenced by references to offerings and temples. This understanding reshaped perceptions of early Greek society and its connections to later Greek civilization.
• Evaluate the impact of the decline in use of Linear B Script after the Bronze Age Collapse on subsequent Greek history.
  • The decline in use of Linear B Script following the Bronze Age Collapse had profound implications for subsequent Greek history. With writing largely disappearing during this time, there was a significant loss of administrative knowledge and cultural continuity. This period, often referred to as the Greek Dark Ages, saw a reduction in trade and urbanization, affecting social structures. As literacy re-emerged with the development of the Greek alphabet centuries later, it marked a crucial transition towards classical Greek civilization, influencing literature, philosophy, and governance.

Related terms

Mycenaean Civilization: An ancient civilization that flourished in the late Bronze Age, known for its palatial states, art, and extensive trade networks.

Palace of Knossos: A major archaeological site on Crete, representing Minoan civilization and known for its complex architecture, where Linear A was used before Linear B emerged.

Decipherment: The process of translating a previously unreadable script or language, which applies to the efforts made to understand Linear B in the 20th century.