Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ ZENODOarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

The Linear A Inscription IO Za 2 - A Ritual Invocation from the Sanctuary of Tinu and Ida-Mate

Authors: Schümann, Michael;

The Linear A Inscription IO Za 2 - A Ritual Invocation from the Sanctuary of Tinu and Ida-Mate

Abstract

This preprint presents a new edition, reconstruction, and linguistic analysis of the Linear A inscription IO Za 2, engraved on a miniature stone libation table from the summit sanctuary of Mount Juktas, Crete. The inscription belongs to the group of ritual texts commonly known as the Minoan Libation Formula and preserves one of the longest and most complete examples currently known. Through comparison with the closely related inscriptions TL Za 1, PK Za 11, PR Za 1, and KO Za 1, the study reconstructs a coherent ritual sequence comprising divine invocation, lamentation, libation, and cultic dedication. Particular attention is devoted to the expressions A-TA-I-JO-WA-JA, JA-DI-KI-TU, JA-SA-SA-RA-ŽA, U-NA-KA-NA-SI, I-PI-NA-MA, and SI-RU-TE, which together form a highly structured ritual formula. The damaged concluding section is reconstructed as TA-NA-RA-TE-U-TI-NU I-DA[-MA-TE-QE]. The analysis interprets TA-NA-RA as “sanctuary”, TE-U as “of the god”, TI-NU as a divine name comparable to Mycenaean Greek di-wo-nu-so, and I-DA-MA-TE as a pre-Mycenaean form of Demeter independently attested elsewhere in the Linear A corpus. The resulting interpretation identifies the sanctuary of the god Tinu and Ida-Mate as the recipients of the ritual invocation. The study further examines the archaeological context of the inscription within the summit sanctuary of Mount Juktas, including the relationship between the open-air altar complex and the adjacent ritual chasm. By integrating epigraphic evidence, archaeological context, internal textual parallels, and comparative linguistics, the paper argues that IO Za 2 constitutes one of the most important currently known witnesses to Minoan ritual language and religious thought. Together with the companion studies of TL Za 1 and KO Za 1, this publication contributes to the reconstruction of a coherent corpus of Linear A libation inscriptions and provides new evidence for religious terminology, sacred geography, and ritual practice in Bronze Age Crete.

Keywords

Linear A; Aegean epigraphy; Bronze Age Crete; Mount Juktas; Libation inscriptions; Minoan religion; Ritual language; Sacred geography; Minoan sanctuaries; Comparative linguistics; Historical linguistics; Linear A decipherment; Religious vocabulary; Ritual practice

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average