Multiple Sequence Alignment of Libation Formulae Suggest Linear a is Minoan-Greek

Abstract

Here, we align multiple texts of various Libation formulae in Linear A.  The alignment delineates words, and highlights synonymous syllables, of the Libation formulae. Remarkably, two vessels and their contents are specified and verify the proto-Greek origin of Linear A.  The two vessels are: (1)  “receptacle of grain” SU-TE-DA-KE (σιτοδόκος) followed by its content “grains” SE-TO-I-JA (σιτος,-oο) and (2) “receptacle of oil” I-RI-DE-KA (ελαιοδόκος) followed by its content “olive oil” A-RE-PI (ἄλειφαρ, oil) RE-NA (ἔλαιον, olive).  We hypothesize that *301 is pronounced RI, and translate I-RI-WA-E (ἐλαιόω) into “olive-oil”, and I-RI-TI (ἀλείατα) into “wheat-meal”, both common in libation. Furthermore, the multiple sequence alignment juxtaposes the Goddess, I-DA-A (θεά or δεά in Tyrrhenian) and I-DA-MI (δαίμων) with JA-SA-SA-RA-ME, the Ashera poles ( אשרים ) and with JA-SA-RA-A-NA-NE, a luxuriant tree ( רענן ). In turn, the labrys inscription I-DA-MA-TE could refer to the God mother (θεά μήτηρ), Demeter (Δημήτηρ). Finally, we hypothesize that KA-NA-SI is derived from the noun “empty” (κενός), and the verb “to pour” (Εγκανασσειν).  Interestingly, KA-NA-SI is aligned with the Hebrew synonymous  translation “I emptied” RU-KA-NA-TI ( רוקנתי ) and RU-KA-JA-SI ( ריקיתי ). As such, we conclude Minoan is mainly a proto-Greek language, yet permeated with proto-Semitic influence.