Editor(s)
Gerald Leonard Cohen
Abstract
This article suggests that two Linear B signs (69, *47) denote ‘union,’ specifically the ancient Egyptian ‘Union of Two Lands,’ i.e., North and South Egypt. The Egyptian term for this union is sema-taui (from sema ‘union’, ta ‘land’; -ui ‘dual; taui ‘two lands'), and the earlier suggestion that sign 69 derives from a picture of a leaf should perhaps be reconsidered in favor of the Egyptian sema-tawy symbol. Also, on a very speculative note I suggest that the Linear B pronunciation of sign 69 as /tu/ may derive from the /t/ and /u/ sounds of taui ‘two lands.’
Recommended Citation
Cohen, G. L. (2025). Reflections: Two Linear B Signs (69, *47) in Light of the Ancient Egyptian ‘Union of Two Lands’ (Sema-tawy). COMMENTS ON ETYMOLOGY, 55(1) 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
© 2025 The Authors, All rights reserved
Publication Date
October 2025
