LINEAR B Meaning and
Definition
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Linear B is an ancient script used for writing a form of the Greek language known as Mycenaean Greek. It is one of the earliest known scripts used in Ancient Greece and was utilized during the Late Bronze Age, primarily between the 15th and 13th centuries BCE. The name "Linear B" stems from the script's linear characteristics, in contrast to the preceding script known as Linear A.
The Linear B script consists of a series of syllabic signs representing various vowel and consonant combinations. These signs were typically inscribed on clay tablets using a stylus, and the tablets were often used for administrative purposes such as recording inventories, religious offerings, and other economic transactions.
Deciphering Linear B was a significant archaeological breakthrough, attributed to the work of Michael Ventris and John Chadwick in the mid-20th century. Their efforts revealed that Linear B represented an early form of the Greek language, as opposed to an entirely different linguistic system. Consequently, Linear B provides valuable insights into the Mycenaean civilization, offering evidence of their social structure, economic activities, and religious practices.
Linear B is an indispensable source of information for researchers studying the development of Greek language and culture. Its decipherment has allowed scholars to piece together the history and society of the Mycenaean civilization, supplementing the knowledge obtained from other archaeological artifacts and writings.
Common Misspellings for LINEAR B
- kinear b
- pinear b
- oinear b
- lunear b
- ljnear b
- lknear b
- lonear b
- l9near b
- l8near b
- libear b
- limear b
- lijear b
- lihear b
- linwar b
- linsar b
- lindar b
- linrar b
- lin4ar b
- linewar b
- lmnear b
Etymology of LINEAR B
The term "Linear B" refers to a script used to write the Greek language during the late Bronze Age, primarily in the Minoan palace sites on the island of Crete. The etymology of the term comes from the fact that the script was discovered and named after another slightly earlier script known as Linear A.
Linear A, which was also found in Crete, was the first script to be identified as a syllabic writing system by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in the early 20th century. Later on, in 1952, another British architect and linguist named Michael Ventris successfully deciphered Linear B, proving it to be an early form of written Greek.
The "Linear" part of the name is derived from the characteristic way the script is written, which consists of lines and strokes used to form the various signs.
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