Greek Artifacts > Knossos Linear B Tablets

Knossos Linear B Tablets

Background

The Knossos Linear B tablets are an invaluable archaeological find that offers insights into the administrative, economic, and social aspects of the Mycenaean civilization on Crete during the Late Bronze Age (circa 1450-1375 BCE). These clay tablets, discovered at the site of the ancient Minoan palace of Knossos, are inscribed with the earliest known form of written Greek. Here is a detailed exploration of the Knossos Linear B tablets:

Discovery and Excavation

Site: Knossos, located near modern-day Heraklion on the island of Crete, was the largest and most significant center of the Minoan civilization.
Excavator: Sir Arthur Evans, a British archaeologist, led the excavation of Knossos in the early 20th century, beginning in 1900.
Discovery: Thousands of clay tablets were uncovered in various parts of the palace complex, especially in storerooms and administrative areas.

Linear B Script

Origins: Linear B is a syllabic script that was used primarily for administrative purposes. It was adapted from the earlier Linear A script used by the Minoans but was specifically used to write an early form of Greek.
Decipherment: Michael Ventris, an English architect and amateur linguist, deciphered Linear B in 1952, proving that it was an early form of Greek. His work, assisted by John Chadwick, revolutionized the understanding of Mycenaean civilization.

Content of the Tablets

Administrative Records
- Inventories: The majority of the tablets are inventories of goods, including grain, oil, wine, livestock, and textiles. They detail the collection, storage, and distribution of these items.
- Personnel Lists: Tablets list workers and their roles, including specialized craftsmen, laborers, and religious personnel. These records provide insight into the organization of labor and the social hierarchy.
Economic Transactions
- Trade and Tribute: The tablets record transactions related to trade and tribute, indicating a complex economy with extensive trade networks.
- Ration Distribution: Detailed accounts of rations allocated to workers, including food and other provisions, are frequently mentioned.
Religious and Ritual Contexts
- Offerings: Some tablets describe offerings made to deities, including quantities of goods and the names of the gods or goddesses.
- Festivals and Ceremonies: References to religious festivals and ceremonies provide insights into the religious practices of the Mycenaeans.

Significance of the Tablets

Language and Writing
- Earliest Greek: The Linear B tablets are the earliest known written records of the Greek language, providing crucial evidence for the study of the Greek language and its development.
- Script Development: The tablets illustrate the use of a syllabic script before the adoption of the Greek alphabet, highlighting the evolution of writing systems in ancient Greece.
Economic and Social Organization
- Centralized Administration: The detailed records reveal a highly centralized administrative system with meticulous record-keeping. This suggests a complex and organized society capable of managing large-scale production and distribution.
- Social Hierarchy: The personnel lists and allocation of resources reflect a stratified society with defined roles and responsibilities.
Religious Practices
- Religious Offerings: The tablets provide direct evidence of religious practices, including offerings to deities and the organization of religious festivals, shedding light on the spiritual life of the Mycenaeans.
Historical Context
- Mycenaean Influence: The presence of Linear B tablets at Knossos indicates the influence of the Mycenaean Greeks on Crete, suggesting either a Mycenaean takeover or significant interaction between the Minoans and Mycenaeans during the Late Bronze Age.

Notable Tablets and Findings

Tablet KN Fp 1: Records quantities of oil and wool, possibly indicating textile production or trade.
Tablet KN Sc 130: Lists personnel involved in various activities, providing insight into the labor force and social structure.
Tablet KN V 52: Details offerings to deities, including the names of gods and the items offered.

Preservation and Study

Preservation: The tablets were preserved because they were accidentally baked in a fire that destroyed the palace. This unintended firing hardened the clay, making the tablets more durable.
Current Location: Many of the tablets are housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete, where they continue to be studied by scholars and linguists.

Conclusion

The Knossos Linear B tablets are a cornerstone of Mycenaean archaeology and linguistics, providing a wealth of information about the administrative, economic, and religious practices of the Late Bronze Age Greeks. Their discovery and subsequent decipherment have significantly advanced the understanding of early Greek history and the Mycenaean civilization's complex societal structure. As the earliest written records of the Greek language, these tablets remain a vital source for researchers studying ancient Greek history, language, and culture.