MYCENAEAN GREEK Meaning and
Definition
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Mycenaean Greek refers to the earliest known form of the Greek language used during the Late Bronze Age in Mycenaean Greece, which existed from the 16th to the 12th century BCE. It is an ancient Hellenic dialect that was primarily spoken by the Mycenaean civilization that flourished in the region.
The Mycenaean Greek language is known to us through various written records found in the archaeological site of Mycenae, as well as at other locations. These records were written using a script known as Linear B, which was deciphered in the 1950s by Michael Ventris and John Chadwick. The extensive use of Linear B tablets has provided valuable insights into the administrative, economic, and social aspects of the Mycenaean society.
The Mycenaean Greek language is considered a precursor to Classical Greek, which became the dominant form of the Greek language in the subsequent centuries. While there are numerous similarities between Mycenaean Greek and Classical Greek, there are also notable differences in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Studying Mycenaean Greek is crucial for understanding the early development of the Greek language and its evolution over time. It sheds light on the cultural and historical context of the Mycenaean civilization, including its organization, religion, and societal structures. The decipherment of Linear B tablets has significantly enhanced our knowledge of this ancient civilization and its contribution to the broader historical and linguistic landscape of Ancient Greece.
Etymology of MYCENAEAN GREEK
The word "Mycenaean" derives from the ancient Greek city of Mycenae, which was the center of the Mycenaean civilization. The Mycenaean civilization thrived in the Late Bronze Age from around 1600 BCE to 1100 BCE in the region of modern-day Greece.
The term "Greek" comes from the Latin word "Graecus", which was used to refer to the ancient Greeks. The ancient Greeks called themselves "Hellenes". The origins of the word "Hellenes" are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have come from the name of an ancient Greek mythological figure, either Helen, the legendary queen of Sparta, or Hellen, the son of Deucalion and Pyrrha.
