Illustration
The Minoan ivory scepter discovered in Crete in 2024 is engraved with the longest Linear A inscription ever found. The inscription consists of approximately 119 signs covering the entire surface of the circular head and both sides of the handle. It features two distinct sections, one on the head and one on the handle. Twelve box spaces are carved on the circular surface of the head, each containing an icon of a four-legged animal, suggesting a ritual text or a record of sacrifices. The syllabic and logographic symbols on the handle, however, indicate administrative writing, similar to that seen on Minoan tablets.
The ivory scepter was recently retrieved from a Neopalatial building dating to the latter part of the Early Bronze Age (1700 - 1450 BC). The building included the so-called Fetish Shrine, which had two inter-communicating rooms and a common antechamber. The complex was located under a much later Roman temple at The Anetaki site in the southern precinct of Heraklion.
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References
- An archaeological and epigraphical overview of some inscriptions found in the Cult Center of the city of Knossos (Anetaki plot) | Ariadne, accessed 24 Mar 2025.
Cite This Work
APA Style
Sapirstein, P. (2025, March 26). Minoan Ivory Sceptre Covered with Two Linear A Inscriptions. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20265/minoan-ivory-sceptre-covered-with-two-linear-a-ins/
Chicago Style
Sapirstein, Ph.. "Minoan Ivory Sceptre Covered with Two Linear A Inscriptions." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified March 26, 2025. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20265/minoan-ivory-sceptre-covered-with-two-linear-a-ins/.
MLA Style
Sapirstein, Ph.. "Minoan Ivory Sceptre Covered with Two Linear A Inscriptions." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 26 Mar 2025. Web. 31 Mar 2025.
