Linear B tablets

What language did the Mycenaeans speak?

Linear A and B has been found inscribed on many tablets

Where have many tablets been found?

At Pylos and Knossos

How were the tablets written on?

Indents of letters were inscribed on damp clay, which were left to harden in the sun and not fired in the kiln

How long did the tablets last?

Since they were only hardened in the sun, they would gradually take in moisture from the air and crumble after a few months - the only evidence we have of Linear B is from places where there were large fires, which essentially baked the tablets to make them permanent (although they are still fragile)

What types of symbols were used?

Ideograms and syllables

What was a syllable?

Part of a word said as a single unit to represent a vowel and a consonant as one

What was an ideogram?

Pictures representing a whole word, like animals or objects

Linear B tablet

This tablet shows the word ‘tripod’ in both ideogram and syllable forms (drawing of a tablet vs the letters ti-ri-po-de) to aid reading. This was found at Pylos in the archive room (with many other tablets) and dates from the 13th century

What does Linear B tell us about the gods?

They had the same basic gods, such as Zeus, Poseidon, Hermes, Artemis etc, as well as two female versions of Zeus and Poseidon, called Diwia and Posidaia, which seem to have become nonexistent after the Mycenaean society fell

What does Linear B tell us about agriculture and food production?

Wine and olive oil is mentioned in large quantities. Figs, wheat, barley, honey and spices like saffron and coriander are present in the tablets too

What does Linear B tell us about animals?

Plough oxen are named, horses are listed as part of military equipment, and goats and pigs are mentioned

What does Linear B tell us about organisation of the city?

There was a chieftain called a wanax, with lawategas as part of the aristocracy with a net worth of 1/3 of the king’s, and there are hequetai from the noble class, alongside a warrior class, landowners, the working class and

What does Linear B tell us about workers?

There are female religious workers, and many jobs are described, including: corn grinders, wool spinners, flax producers, waitresses, bath attendants, headband makers for horses, musicians, sweepers, bakers, fire kindlers, perfume makers and stonemasons

What does Linear B tell us about military organisation?

42 bronze pointed spears, chariot parts, 600 rowers and 800 coastal watchmen are all referenced

What does Linear B tell us about offerings to the gods?

Gold items (such as drinking cups) were listed on tablets, as well as 2 men and 8 women (although this is a highly controversial translation)

What does Linear B tell us about the development of greek language?

Linear B later became Ancient Greek, which influenced the English language