--- title: Minoan Ivory Sceptre Covered with Two Linear A Inscriptions author: Ph. Sapirstein source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20265/minoan-ivory-sceptre-covered-with-two-linear-a-ins/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 2025-03-26 --- # Minoan Ivory Sceptre Covered with Two Linear A Inscriptions _Authored by Ph. Sapirstein_ ## Image File [![Minoan Ivory Sceptre Covered with Two Linear A Inscriptions](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20265.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20265.png) ## Image Caption The [Minoan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Minoan/) ivory scepter discovered in [Crete](https://www.worldhistory.org/crete/) in 2024 is engraved with the longest [Linear A](https://www.worldhistory.org/Linear_A_Script/) 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](https://www.worldhistory.org/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/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](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) at The Anetaki site in the southern precinct of Heraklion. ## Bibliography - [An archaeological and epigraphical overview of some inscriptions found in the Cult Center of the city of Knossos (Anetaki plot) | Ariadne](https://ejournals.lib.uoc.gr/Ariadne/article/view/1841 "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 Sapirstein, P. (2025, March 26). Minoan Ivory Sceptre Covered with Two Linear A Inscriptions. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Sapirstein, Ph.. "Minoan Ivory Sceptre Covered with Two Linear A Inscriptions." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 26, 2025. . ### MLA Sapirstein, Ph.. "Minoan Ivory Sceptre Covered with Two Linear A Inscriptions." *World History Encyclopedia*, 26 Mar 2025, . ## License & Copyright [Original image](https://ejournals.lib.uoc.gr/Ariadne/article/view/1841/1751) by **Ph. Sapirstein**. Submitted by [Nathalie Choubineh](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/nathalie.choubineh/ "User Page: Nathalie Choubineh"), published on 26 March 2025. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.