Linear B Script

Definition

Linear B is a syllabic script used for writing Mycenaean Greek, primarily during the late Bronze Age. It serves as one of the earliest forms of written language in Europe, linking the sophisticated administrative practices of Mycenaean civilization with the broader context of trade and cultural exchange in the ancient Mediterranean world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Linear B was deciphered in 1952 by Michael Ventris, revealing it to be an early form of Greek.
2. The script was primarily used for administrative purposes, including record-keeping for trade and resource management in Mycenaean palaces.
3. Linear B inscriptions are often found on clay tablets, which were used as durable record-keeping tools in palatial centers like Knossos and Pylos.
4. The use of Linear B significantly indicates the complexity of Mycenaean society and its extensive trade networks across the Aegean Sea.
5. Linear B eventually fell out of use around 1200 BCE with the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization, marking a transition to a period of reduced literacy in Greece.

Review Questions

• How did Linear B script contribute to our understanding of Mycenaean civilization and its administration?
  • Linear B script provides crucial insights into the administrative practices of Mycenaean civilization by documenting various aspects of governance, trade, and resource distribution. The records show how Mycenaean palaces operated as complex bureaucratic centers that managed agricultural production and economic transactions. This level of organization reflects a sophisticated society capable of supporting large populations and engaging in extensive trade across the Mediterranean.
• Evaluate the impact of the deciphering of Linear B on our understanding of early Greek language and culture.
  • The deciphering of Linear B transformed our understanding of early Greek language by establishing that it is an early form of Greek spoken during the late Bronze Age. This discovery revealed not only linguistic connections but also cultural continuity from the Mycenaean period into later classical Greece. The inscriptions highlight aspects of daily life, religious practices, and social hierarchy, enriching our knowledge of how these early Greeks lived and interacted.
• Analyze the significance of Linear B script in the context of the collapse of Bronze Age civilizations and its lasting effects on literacy in Greece.
  • The significance of Linear B script during the collapse of Bronze Age civilizations lies in its role as a marker of administrative complexity that began to disintegrate with societal upheaval. As Mycenaean palatial structures fell apart around 1200 BCE, Linear B ceased to be used, leading to a significant decline in literacy and written records in Greece for centuries. This loss impacted subsequent cultural developments and contributed to a more oral tradition, which would influence how history was transmitted until the re-emergence of writing during the Classical period.

Related terms

Mycenaean Civilization: An advanced ancient civilization that flourished in mainland Greece from around 1600 to 1100 BCE, known for its palatial centers, monumental architecture, and rich artistic achievements.

Syllabary: A writing system in which each symbol represents a syllable, used in various ancient cultures, including Linear B.

Pylos: A major Mycenaean city known for its extensive archives written in Linear B, providing valuable insights into the administration and economy of the time.