Editor(s)
Gerald Leonard Cohen
Abstract
Linear B sign *49 (and it's Linear A antecedent), evidently of unknown origin, may be interpreted as influenced by the ancient Egyptian veneration of the sun god, specifically the drawings of the sun sending forth its rays. The Egyptian drawings include the sun itself (a circle with a dot inside), whereas the Linear A and B sign presents a wavy line in its place. I suggest the wavy line derives from part of the Egyptian hieroglyph for ‘horizon,’ whose full picture represents the sun emerging over a mountain. If the sun is removed from the picture, the upper part of the figure presents the wavy line that appears, for example, in the Linear B letter. (See the article for illustrations.)
The Egyptian hieroglyph and Linear A and B sign therefore both present the morning sun, which at least for the ancient Egyptians was a symbol of resurrection.
Recommended Citation
Cohen, G. L. (2025). Reflections on Linear B, (part 10): Linear B sign *49 may derive from an Egyptian hieroglyph denoting sunrays. COMMENTS ON ETYMOLOGY, 54(7) Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Department(s)
Arts, Languages, and Philosophy
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 Gerald Leonard Cohen, All Rights Reserved
Publication Date
April, 2025
