The race to decode a mysterious language - Susan Lupack

Recent questions

• What is the significance of the tablets discovered by Sir Arthur Evans?

  Sir Arthur Evans discovered nearly 3,000 tablets with strange symbols on the island of Crete in the early 1900s. These tablets are believed to represent the language of Europe's oldest civilization, the Minoans, with the script named Linear B. This discovery provided valuable insights into the ancient Minoan civilization and their language.

• Who analyzed the symbols of Linear B and what did they discover?

  Alice Kober, a Classics professor from Brooklyn, analyzed the symbols of Linear B for two decades. She discovered that word endings were crucial for grammar, which was a significant breakthrough in understanding the script. Kober's work laid the foundation for further research into deciphering Linear B.

• What did Michael Ventris discover about the Linear B script?

  Michael Ventris, inspired by Sir Arthur Evans, compared Linear B tablets from Knossos and Pylos. He realized that the script was Greek, not Minoan, which was a groundbreaking revelation. Ventris's discovery led to the understanding that mainland Greeks adopted the Minoan script after invading Crete, reshaping historical perspectives.

• How did Alice Kober contribute to the deciphering of Linear B?

  Alice Kober's analysis of the symbols of Linear B revealed that word endings were crucial for grammar. Her meticulous work and dedication over two decades brought her close to deciphering the script before her death in 1950. Kober's research laid the groundwork for further advancements in understanding Linear B.

• What historical revelation came from Michael Ventris's research on Linear B?

  Michael Ventris's comparison of Linear B tablets from Knossos and Pylos led to the realization that the script was Greek, not Minoan. This discovery reshaped historical understanding, revealing that mainland Greeks adopted the Minoan script after invading Crete. Ventris's work unveiled a new perspective on the ancient civilizations of Greece and Crete.