The Origins of Writing and Administration on Crete

Abstract

During the Protopalatial period, two scripts were used in Minoan administration, Cretan Hieroglyphic and Linear A. Each script system has its own range of typical administrative documents, e.g. roundels for Linear A and medallions for Cretan Hieroglyphic. Some other sealed document types, and especially direct object sealings and noduli, are common to both systems. It is argued here that, prior to the development of script and as early as the Prepalatial period, a single administrative system based on the use of such direct object sealings and noduli existed on the island. The subsequent diversity formed part of an assemblage of cultural features used to mark the different political organisations that were formed during the transitional Early Minoan III/Middle Minoan I period.

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