Aegean Linear Script(s)
Rethinking the Relationship Between Linear A and Linear B

Interdisciplinary examination of the transmission process of Linear A to Linear B script.

Ester Salgarella (Author)

9781108479387, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 1 October 2020

436 pages
28.5 x 22.2 x 2.6 cm, 1.37 kg

When does a continuum become a divide? This book investigates the genetic relationship between Linear A and Linear B, two Bronze Age scripts attested on Crete and Mainland Greece and understood to have developed one out of the other. By using an interdisciplinary methodology, this research integrates linguistic, epigraphic, palaeographic and archaeological evidence, and places the writing practice in its sociohistorical setting. By challenging traditional views, this work calls into question widespread assumptions and interpretative schemes on the relationship between these two scripts, and opens up new perspectives on the ideology associated with the retention, adaptation and transmission of a script, and how identity was negotiated at a moment of closer societal interaction between Cretans and Greek-speaking Mainlanders in the Late Bronze Age. By delving deeper into the structure and inner workings of these two writing systems, this book will make us rethink the relationship between Linear A and B.

1. Introduction and theoretical framework
2. What does Linear A look like?
3. What does Linear B look like?
4. Interpretative models
5. Overall Conclusions

Subject Areas: Classical Greek & Roman archaeology [HDDK], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], Historical & comparative linguistics [CFF]