Linear A Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Writing System

  • Script type: Mostly syllabic (each sign = a syllable like pa, to, ki) with some logograms (whole words, often for commodities).

  • Direction: Left to right, horizontal lines.

  • Relation: Shares many signs with Linear B (same sounds, but different language underneath).

Numbers & Units

  • Numbers: Similar to Linear B tally system.

  • Fractions: Special small signs used for halves, quarters, etc.

  • Units of measure:

  • Meaning: We can count totals and understand quantities.

Common Words / Tokens (High-Confidence Functions)

  • KU-RO (𐘇𐘘) → “total” (borrowed into Linear B as ku-ro = total).

  • JA-SA-SA-RA-ME → Appears in ritual contexts; may be a goddess’ name.

  • PA-I-TO → Likely Phaistos (a known place on Crete).

  • KU-NI-SU → Probably Knossos.

  • SI-TU → Maybe grain or foodstuff (appears in commodity contexts).

  • A-DU → Repeated in offering lists; may be an item/food.

  • DA-MA-TE → Possibly Demeter (goddess name; debated).

Word Structure (Morphology Clues)

  • -si / -ti endings → could be plural or case endings (like Linear B).

  • -ja → sometimes attached to place names (like “from [place]”).

  • -ni / -na → recurring suffix, possibly locative or genitive (place or belonging).

Contexts

  • Administrative tablets: Mostly lists of goods (oil, wine, grain, animals).

  • Religious contexts: Found on libation tables and offering records.

  • Sealings (clay tags): Used for storage/shipments — likely linked to trade.

What We Can Do with It

  • Read many syllables aloud (using Linear B values).

  • Recognize numbers and totals.

  • Spot place names, possible deity names, and personal names.

  • Sort words into categories (commodity, person, place, ritual).

What We Can’t (Yet)

  • Translate the language.

  • Identify the grammar fully.

  • Know the exact meaning of most words.

Bottom Line:
Linear A is partially readable but not translatable. We can sound out the script, recognize names, and understand the bookkeeping side (numbers, totals, measures), but the actual Minoan language behind it is still unknown.

How to Read a Linear A Tablet (Step-by-Step)

Look for Numbers First

  • Numbers are the easiest anchors.

  • Example: 10 or 100 written before a word.

  • This tells you: “X amount of something is coming.”

Find the Commodity Word

  • Right after the number, there’s usually a commodity/item name.

  • Example: SI-TU (likely grain).

  • Structure: number + item → “10 SI-TU” = 10 units of grain.

Check for Place Names or Personal Names

  • Often, a word will follow or precede commodities.

  • Example: PA-I-TO (Phaistos), KU-NI-SU (Knossos).

  • These act like “who it belongs to” or “where it goes.”

Look for Totals

  • At the bottom or side, you’ll often see KU-RO = total.

  • Example: KU-RO 50 → the total of everything listed adds to 50.

Spot Suffixes/Endings

  • -si / -ti → plural or case form.

  • -ja → “from [place].”

  • -ni / -na → belonging/locative.

  • These endings help figure out grammar (is it one item, multiple, from a place, etc.).

Watch for Ritual Words

  • Some inscriptions aren’t just inventory — they’re offerings.

  • Example: JA-SA-SA-RA-ME (goddess name), DA-MA-TE (possible goddess).

  • These usually show up in religious contexts, not trade.

Read the Flow

Most Linear A tablets flow like this:

  • [Number] [Commodity word] [Place/Name] … KU-RO [Total]

  • Example (mock reconstruction):

    • 10 SI-TU PA-I-TO

    • 20 A-DU KU-NI-SU

    • KU-RO 30
      → “10 grain at Phaistos, 20 [item] at Knossos, total 30.”

Quick Tips

  • If you see KU-RO, you’ve found the total line.

  • If you see JA-SA-SA-RA-ME or DA-MA-TE, you’re in a ritual context.

  • If you see PA-I-TO or KU-NI-SU, you’re looking at place names.

  • Numbers + items = commodities.