Britannica AI Icon

Cypro-Minoan script

writing system

Quick Summary

The Cypro-Minoan script was an undeciphered writing system used on Cyprus and Syria from approximately 1500 to 1100 BC. It contained 63 syllabic symbols and is believed to be a descendant of early Cretan scripts like Linear A. The Cypriot syllabary, which developed from the Cypro-Minoan script, consisted of 56 signs and was primarily used for writing Greek from the 6th to 3rd century BC, though it was originally designed for an earlier, non-Greek language of Cyprus. The decipherment of Linear B, another related script, provided crucial insights into the Mycenaean civilization and the early Greek language.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.