What is Linear A?
Q: What is Linear A?
A: Linear A is an ancient script used on Crete that has not yet been translated. It was one of the writing systems used in Minoan Crete and was used from about the 17th century BC until the 15th century BC.
Q: How does it compare to Linear B?
A: Linear B is a script based on Linear A, and has been translated. There are about fifty signs in Linear A that are similar to those in Linear B, but around 80% of the signs in Linear A are unique. Using knowledge from Linear B to read Linear A produces text which cannot be read.
Q: What language does it use?
A: The language used for this script has been called Eteocretan and does not seem to be related to any known language.
Q: How many characters are known?
A: About 70 characters (probably representing syllables) are currently known, as well as around 100 ideographic characters which can be combined with the syllables. Additionally, there are a few numerals whose value is known.
Q: What do most texts seem to be about?
A: Most texts seem to be lists, although a few may be short dedications found on libations. So far, no long texts have been found.
Q: What materials were typically used for writing these scripts?
A: Straight lines such as those used for linear A were not very practical for clay tablets so most writing was probably done on other things such as papyrus or parchment instead; however, these materials do not last as long as clay so much of this writing has likely been lost over time.
