Francesco Perono Cacciafoco
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Department of Applied Linguistics
Xi’an-Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Niki Cassandra Eu Min
School of Humanities
Linguistics and Multilingual Studies Programme
Nanyang Technological University

https://doi.org/10.4467/K7501.45/22.23.18069 

Linear A is the yet undeciphered Aegean writing system of the ancient Minoan civilization which flourished in Crete. Many attempts have been made to decipher Linear A, or connect it to a plausible language family, with limited success. The Indo-European connection to Linear A has been rigorously explored over time because of the Mycenean Greek encoded by its descendant writing system, Linear B. This paper proposes possible etymologies of place names in the Linear A script, following a hypothetical relationship to the Indo-European family of languages. We apply historical-phonetic methodologies and the comparative method in order to analyze these plausible toponyms. Potential place names were determined using Linear B phonetic values to determine the phonetic equivalents of Linear A signs, and by examining the position of these sign clusters on various articles. This paper does not attempt to connect Linear A to a language family – rather, it explores the hypothetical connections that could be drawn, the reconstructions we could make, and aims to contribute to the current debate and discussion around Minoan toponymy. Keywords Linear A, minoan, toponymy, Indo-European, etymology