Mycenaean Greek is the earliest recorded form of the Greek language, written in the Linear B syllabary and preserved primarily in administrative documents from palatial centers like Knossos and Pylos. This toolkit collects the core resources I use for studying the language, writing system, and historical context of Mycenaean. While it’s not a language most people “read” in the same way as Homeric or Classical Greek, it’s foundational for understanding the development of the Greek language and the Aegean Bronze Age.
To Get Started
Hooker – Linear B: An Introduction
A concise and accessible introduction to the Linear B writing system, Mycenaean phonology, and key vocabulary. Useful for getting oriented before diving into transcriptions or corpora.
Read online
Chadwick – The Decipherment of Linear B
An essential historical account of how Linear B was deciphered, written by one of its key figures. While dated in some linguistic details, it’s an engaging entry point into the script and its rediscovery.
Read online
Digital Tools
Palaeolexicon: Mycenaean Greek Word List
A searchable online lexicon of Mycenaean Greek, based on attested forms and reconstructions. Includes syllabic spellings and interpretations. Useful for quick lookups when reading inscriptions.
Access online
LiBER (Linear B Electronic Resources)
An extensive online resource that includes a searchable corpus, transcriptions, sign lists, and links to digitized tablets. Maintained by the University of Cambridge.
Access online
Advanced Topics
Ventris & Chadwick – Documents in Mycenaean Greek
The foundational reference edition of Linear B tablets, with transcriptions, translations, and commentary. Volume I covers the grammar and lexicon; Volume II includes full texts.
Read online
Duhoux & Morpurgo Davies (eds.) – A Companion to Linear B: Mycenaean Greek Texts and Their World
A more recent scholarly collection covering writing practices, administrative function, linguistics, and interpretive issues. Indispensable for research-level study.
Read online [Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3]
Aura Jorro – Diccionario Micénico
A comprehensive lexicon of Mycenaean Greek, keyed to Linear B spellings. In Spanish but used internationally by specialists.
Read online [Volume 1, Volume 2]
Conclusion
Mycenaean Greek is not a reading language in the traditional sense, but it offers unparalleled access to the earliest phase of Greek—its phonology, morphology, and vocabulary in situ. For linguists, epigraphers, and anyone curious about the Bronze Age Aegean, these tools provide a clear entry into the world of palace records and early writing.
This list includes the materials I’ve found most dependable in my own work. If you’ve found other resources—especially for working with the tablets themselves—I’d love to hear what’s missing.
To Wake the Dead 