Minoan Linear A is still an undeciphered script mainly used for administrative purposes on Bronze Age Crete. One of its most enigmatic features the precise mathematical values system numerical fractions. The aim this article to address issue through a multi-stranded methodology that comprises palaeographical examination and statistical, computational, typological approaches. Taking from previous analyses, which suggested hypothetical some fractions, we extended our probe into assessing...

This article examines the earliest attestations of writing on Crete at beginning second millennium bce , so-called ‘Archanes formula’. The aim is to reassess its origin, purpose, significance and ‘reading’ through a multi-step analysis taking in details palaeography, correlations with iconographic seal motifs, material culture. Key issues are considered, namely extent which it comparable Linear A ‘libation formula’ a-sa-sa-ra-me or, conversely, whether should be singled out as separate...

Summary This article addresses a long‐debated topic related to the hieroglyphic script from island of Crete, namely status its sign‐list. The signs this are predominantly image‐based and as such their inherent position bona fide writing or, alternatively, decorative symbols with no specific relation language has raised issues inclusion or exclusion sign‐list presented in standard corpus inscriptions. aims propose new approach based on contextual, distributional, structural architecture...

Abstract Ever since the publication of first and unsurpassed corpus Cretan Hieroglyphic inscriptions by Louis Godart Jean-Pierre Olivier, Corpus Hieroglyphicarum Inscriptionum Cretae, known as CHIC, there has been no systematic or comprehensive reassessment several difficult readings signs sign groups geared towards a rationalization sign-list. In this article, we discuss in depth, engaging with issues that relate to script classification, frequencies, interpretative uncertainties, new finds...

What is the origin of earliest script in Europe? Is it invented locally or borrowed from an external template? How can we go about addressing this problem? A common view that question, Cretan Hieroglyphic, created but externally inspired, probably through influence Egypt. But appreciation should be result a full examination evidence, rather than superficial appraisal signs. This article reframes approach, starting with generic assessments on and stimulus, so opens new avenue takes into...

Philippa M. Steele and Philip J. Boyes, eds. Writing Around the Ancient Mediterranean: Practices Adaptations (Contexts of Relations between Early Systems 6. Oxford & Philadelphia: Oxbow Books, 2022, 320 pp., hbk, ISBN 978-1-78925-850-9) - Volume 26 Issue 4

THE INSCRIPTIONS IN LINEAR B - (L.) Godart, (A.) Sacconi (edd.) Les archives du roi Nestor. Corpus des inscriptions en linéaire de Pylos. Volume I: Séries Aa–Fr; II: Gn–Xn. (Pasiphae 13–14.) Pp. xxx + 386 420, ills, colour pls. Pisa and Rome: Fabrizio Serra, 2019–2020. Cased, €945.00. ISBN: 978-88-3315-191-5. 71 Issue 1

Abstract This paper deals with some Linear A logograms which might have been occasionally used not because of their meaning, but phonetically, on the basis sound words underlying signs, to spell out different words, in rebus compositions one or more syllabograms. would be case logogram for wine (AB 131a) two clay tablets from Agia Triada (HT 14.1 and 123a.3), human (A 100/102) several documents sites 72, KH Wc 2100, PE Zb 7), olives 122) stone tables KO Za 1 SY 2. The last examples imply...