Definition: British linguist Michael Ventris is credited with the beginnings of the decipherment of Linear B, the ancient Greek written language of the Mycenaeans. Educated as an architect, Ventris' hobby was languages, and, inspired by Arthur Evans' investigations at Knossos, he took up the riddle of Linear B, basing some of his work on the meticulous organization of Alice Kober. Eventually, he and philologist John Chadwick were together able to prove that Linear B was indeed a form of ancient Greek.
Ventris was killed in a car wreck at the age of 34, only four years after his original discovery about Linear B.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Ventris was killed in a car wreck at the age of 34, only four years after his original discovery about Linear B.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
