Write Your Name in Linear B, the First Writing in Europe

Discover the captivating world of ancient Mycenaean Greek by crafting your name in Linear B, the first writing system of Europe. This hands-on workshop, set against the backdrop of the serene Amnisiades Park, invites participants of all ages to connect with a rich cultural legacy. Engage with the significance of this early script as you leave with a unique clay inscription – a cherished keepsake of your creative journey. Explore the history and evolution of Linear B, and uncover the fascinating insights it offers into the civilizations that shaped the foundations of Western culture.

Key Points

• Participate in a 3-hour outdoor workshop to create an inscription of your name in Linear B, the earliest organized writing system used in Europe for Mycenaean Greek.
• Utilize natural clay from Cretan land to carve your personalized Linear B inscription, which serves as a cherished souvenir of the experience.
• Learn about the historical significance and linguistic importance of Linear B, an early form of Greek predating Classical Greek, through the guided workshop.
• Explore the origins and administrative use of Linear B in Mycenaean palaces, providing a unique perspective into ancient Greek-speaking societies.
• Enhance the visibility of your carved Linear B letters through the application of natural pigment, preserving a tangible connection to Mycenaean history.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Workshop Overview

The 3-hour outdoor workshop, held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, allows participants to learn how to write their name in Linear B, the earliest organized writing system used in Europe for Mycenaean Greek.

The activity takes place in Amnisiades Park, using clay from the Cretan land. During the half-hour session, attendees will create an inscription of their name in this ancient script, which they can keep as a souvenir.

Participants will also receive a card with the basic Linear B symbols for future reference, helping them continue their exploration of this fascinating writing system long after the workshop concludes.

Pricing and Booking

The workshop costs from $21.85 per person, making it an affordable option for those interested in learning to write their name in the ancient Linear B script.

Participants don’t need to make any upfront payment, as they can reserve their spot and pay later. On top of that, the workshop offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for those with changing plans.

Some key details about pricing and booking include:

1. Cost: From $21.85 per person.

2. Reservation: Reserve now & pay later; no upfront payment required.

3. Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

4. Availability: Check for specific starting times.

Experience and Learning

Participants gain hands-on experience writing their name in the ancient Linear B script during the workshop. They receive a card with basic Linear B symbols for future reference, and the inscription created serves as a cherished souvenir.

The workshop provides an opportunity to learn about this fascinating writing system, which was used for Mycenaean Greek, the earliest known organized writing in Europe. Participants will leave with a newfound understanding of Linear B and a unique memento of their experience.

Whether you’re an avid history buff or simply curious about ancient civilizations, this workshop offers a chance to connect with the past through the timeless art of writing.

Accessibility and Requirements

Language instruction’s available in English and German, ensuring the workshop’s accessible to a wide audience.

Wheelchair users can also participate, as the workshop’s held in an accessible outdoor space.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 5 due to the workshop’s content and format.

The workshop’s requirements include:

1. Participants must be at least 5 years old.

2. No prior experience with Linear B or pottery-making is necessary.

3. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.

4. All necessary materials, including clay and writing tools, will be provided.

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Meeting Point and Directions

Situated at the entrance of Amnisiades Park, next to the AVIN gas station, is the meeting point for the Linear B writing workshop. This convenient location provides easy access for participants.

Those attending the workshop should check the availability for the specific starting times, as the sessions are held every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

The outdoor workshop takes place on the Cretan land, utilizing the natural clay found in the area. Participants can look forward to an enriching experience, learning to write their names in the first organized writing system used in Europe for Mycenaean Greek.

Mycenaean Greek and Linear B

Mycenaean Greek, the earliest attested form of the Greek language, was written using the Linear B script, the first organized writing system in Europe. Linear B emerged around the 15th century BCE and was used to record administrative records, inventories, and religious texts in the Mycenaean civilization.

Some key facts about Linear B:

1. It was a syllabic script, where each symbol represented a consonant-vowel combination.

2. The script consisted of around 90 syllabic signs and a limited number of ideographic symbols.

3. Linear B was eventually deciphered in 1952 by the architect and cryptographer Michael Ventris.

4. The decipherment revealed that Linear B was an early form of Greek, predating the Classical Greek of the 5th century BCE.

History of Linear B Writing

The origins of Linear B can be traced back to the Aegean civilizations of the Bronze Age, emerging as a means of record-keeping and administrative documentation within the Mycenaean palaces.

Deciphered in the 1950s, this early script revealed insights into the administrative and cultural practices of the ancient Greek-speaking societies that flourished during this period.

Linear B represents the first known writing system used in mainland Greece, predating the later Greek alphabets by several centuries.

Consisting of over 200 syllabic symbols, the script was used to record inventories, transactions, and other administrative records in the Mycenaean kingdom.

Today, Linear B provides a unique window into the language, economy, and social structures of this ancient civilization.

Crafting Your Linear B Inscription

Participants begin their Linear B inscription journey by selecting a clay slab from the Cretan earth, ready to etch their name into the ancient script. The workshop leader guides them step-by-step through the process:

1. Use a stylus to carefully carve the Linear B symbols onto the clay, following the provided reference card.

2. Apply a natural pigment to the carved letters, making the inscription stand out.

3. Let the clay dry and harden, preserving the unique work of art.

4. Proudly display the finished product as a tangible connection to the Mycenaean past.

With clay in hand and minds focused, participants enjoy the ancient art of Linear B, creating a personalized keepsake to treasure long after the workshop concludes.

Recap

Participants will craft a unique clay inscription in the Linear B writing system, capturing their name in the earliest organized script of Europe.

This hands-on experience allows visitors to connect with ancient Mycenaean civilization while exploring the significance of this historic writing system.

Attendees will leave with a cherished keepsake – a tangible connection to the rich cultural heritage of the past.

You can check if your dates are available here: