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Description:
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This work is a study of the Minoan Linear A language, i.e. the language of
Minoan Crete in the Bronze Age. The Linear A materials and data which have
been available for examination is composed of only 1400 inscribed clay
tablets or fragments, and some stone and metallic objects. The method used
in the examination and review of each inscription is the scrutiny of the
message each conveyed and the qualitative and quantitative information
given, its comparison with other relevant inscriptions, its logical
interpretation and correlation, the conclusions allowed to be drawn, and
the problems that may be resulting or counter arguments which may have to
be contemplated.
The Linear A syllabary, revised and enriched, was compared to the Luwian
hieroglyphic signs; 15 out of 78 signs have a Luwian counterpart; thus no
claim of complete similarity can be made. The Linear A glossary contains
about 1025 whole or broken words. Most of them are not understood yet.
Among those which are understood, 45 words have a Luwian counterpart.
Inscriptions on votive offerings are dedications to divinities, like to
goddess A.SA.SA.RA (the Madonna of the Luwians) or to DA.MA.TE (the Earth
Mother or Demeter). The Linear A Glossary reveals a glossary of terms in
food and agricultural products, on metals, vessels and artefacts and on a
number of place names and personal names. Most of the technical words were
terms borrowed from Sumerian, Semitic or Akkadian languages.
The Hagia Triada tablets are a wealth of information on many subjects.
There is a series of tablets relating to Minoan religious sanctuaries
dedicated to Adu, Tinita and Akaru, indicating the worship in Crete of
deities from the Syropalestinian coast. Large quantities of wheat, wine and
oil, also of seeds and figs were delivered to these sanctuaries.
The Phaistos Disk was continued to be read as a Luwian hieroglyphic
document and the information obtained was critically analysed for internal
consistency.
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