Introduction

The Mycenaean civilization is widely regarded as a central component of ancient Greek culture, largely due to the discovery and analysis of Linear B tablets. These tablets, inscribed with a language that can be identified as early Greek, provide significant insights into the linguistic and cultural ties between the Mycenaeans and the Greeks that followed them.

The Role of Linear B Tablets in Establishing Mycenaean Greek

Historical Context

Linear B, an ancient script, was deciphered in the mid-20th century, revealing that the tablets inscribed with this script were in fact written in Greek. The Linear B tablets, dating back to the late Bronze Age (14th to 12th centuries BCE), provide critical evidence for many aspects of Mycenaean life and society. These tablets were found primarily in the palace ruins of Knossos, Tiryns, Pylos, and Mycenae in Greece and Crete.

Linguistic Evidence

The linguistic evidence provided by the Mycenaeans through Linear B tablets confirms that the Mycenaean language was a form of Greek. This alignment in language between the Mycenaeans and the ancient Greeks supports the idea that the Mycenaeans were indeed Greek in origin. The discovery of Linear B tablets hence reinforces the notion that the Mycenaean civilization was an early form of Greek civilization.

Religious Connections: Shared Deities and Myths

Deities and Religious Practices

A significant bridge between the Mycenaean era and later Greek civilization is the shared pantheon of deities. The Linear B tablets mention many deities that would later be widely worshipped in ancient Greece, including Zeus, Poseidon, and Hera. This shared religious heritage underscores the continuity and cultural connection between the Mycenaeans and later Greek societies.

Mythological Continuity

The tablets also provide evidence of the preservation of important myths and legends, such as those of heroes like Achilles and Odysseus. The Mycenaean period, often referred to as the Dark Ages, saw the continuation of stories and traditions that would evolve into the Homeric epics known to us today. This shared mythological and cultural heritage is a testament to the enduring influence of the Mycenaean civilization on later Greek culture.

The Mycenaean Legacy: Cultural and Self-Identity

Self-Identity in the Dark Ages

During the Mycenaean period, which is often considered a Dark Age in Greek history, there was a strong sense of self-identity among the people who believed themselves to be descended from the Mycenaeans. This belief in their ancestry was so strong that heroes and legendary figures from the Mycenaean period, such as Achilles and Odysseus, continued to be venerated as demigods well into the Classical Age and beyond.

Continuity and Influence

The legacy of the Mycenaean civilization is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of ancient Greece. The cultural practices, language, and shared myths of the Mycenaeans continued to shape the Greek identity and society for centuries. This continuity in cultural and linguistic ties is a key factor in the historical narrative that links the Mycenaean civilization to the subsequent Greek civilization.

Different Perspectives on Pre-Hellenic Civilizations

Consideration of Linear A and Minoans

While the Mycenaean civilization is considered Greek based on the evidence from Linear B tablets, it is important to acknowledge other pre-Hellenic civilizations in the region. Linear A, an earlier script used in Crete, is believed to have influenced Linear B. Additionally, the Minoans are often discussed in relation to the Mycenaeans, as both cultures were present in the region at various times.

Contested Origins and Linguistic Influences

It has also been suggested that the Mycenaeans may have had other influences on their linguistic and cultural development, such as interaction with the Basques, who are mentioned as possibly having inhabited the area. The rise of the Black Sea and the subsequent flooding by the Mediterranean might have also brought other groups to the region.

Conclusion

The Mycenaean civilization is indeed considered part of the broader Greek cultural tapestry, thanks to the linguistic and cultural evidence found in Linear B tablets and the shared myths and deities. While other influences and civilizations played a role, the Mycenaeans left a lasting legacy that is integral to understanding the development of ancient Greek civilization.