Naming, Writing and Measuring “at the Time of Minos”. Some Reflections on Bronze Age Aegean Notations on Clay Vessels and their Representations

On the basis of current knowledge, the ratio behind Linear A inscriptions incised before firing on clay vessels largely eludes us. In particular, this study deals with three inscriptions, made up of wine logograms accompanied by whole numerals and sign-groups (KN Zb 27, THE Zb 13, ZA Zb 3). Due to uncertainties in the interpretation of the numerals present in these inscriptions and the approximations in the estimates of the capacity of the vessels, a degree of complexity and discrepancy has arisen in the literature. Several observations have now been formulated for each of them in the light of the currently available epigraphic, and archaeological-contextual data, bearing in mind their diverse specificities and the interpretative doubts they may raise. Following a new measurement of the capacity of the pithos from Zakros, particular attention is paid to ZA Zb 3, which could suggest a unit of about 12 (twelve and a half ) litres. This value appears of special interest, considering the recurring data ranges observed in the Minoan world, in the Aegean, and in the general framework of the ancient Mediterranean.