TL;DR
An amateur linguist and AI engineer, Tom Di Mino, claims to have deciphered Linear A, a Minoan script that has puzzled scholars for over a century. His findings are now under review by linguistic experts, potentially revolutionizing understanding of ancient scripts.
Tom Di Mino, a self-taught AI engineer and amateur linguist, claims to have deciphered Linear A, a Bronze Age Minoan script that has remained unresolved for over a century. His findings are now being reviewed by experts at Rutgers and Cambridge, marking a potential breakthrough in ancient linguistics.
Di Mino began his analysis in January 2026 and announced that his major insight came on May 22. He analyzed Linear A prayer inscriptions that followed a specific formula, identifying a key symbol “*301” as representing the root “nawaya,” meaning “to dwell” in Semitic languages. This led him to conclude that Linear A belongs to an extinct Semitic language related to biblical Hebrew, a theory previously suggested but not proven.
He proposed readings for 37 of the script’s 102 signs, including all 13 symbols unique to Linear A, and translated 383 terms. His work also clarified some Linear B signs, which had previously been unknown, providing a new perspective on the relationship between the two scripts. His research includes a draft manuscript titled “Ya Diktu: Grammar of the Minoan Peak Sanctuary Libation Formula,” which is now under peer review.
Potential Paradigm Shift in Minoan Linguistics
If validated, Di Mino’s decipherment could transform understanding of Minoan civilization and its language. Confirming Linear A as an extinct Semitic language would challenge previous assumptions and offer new insights into Bronze Age trade, religion, and cultural connections. It could also open avenues for applying similar AI-driven methods to other undeciphered scripts, advancing the field of historical linguistics.
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Historical Background of Linear A and B
Linear A was used on Crete from around 1800 BC until 1450 BC, when the island was conquered by Mycenaean Greeks, who adopted and adapted the script into Linear B. Linear B was deciphered in 1952 by Michael Ventris, revealing it to be an early form of Greek. Unlike Linear B, Linear A has remained largely untranslated, with scholars debating its linguistic affiliation. Previous attempts to decode Linear A, including Cyrus Gordon’s work in 1957, did not produce conclusive results. The relationship between Linear A and Linear B has been a key focus, given their shared symbols and the fact that Linear B is understood to be Greek, while Linear A’s language remains unknown.
“If validated, this could be one of the most significant breakthroughs in ancient linguistics in decades.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Verification and Peer Review of Di Mino’s Decipherment
It is not yet confirmed whether Di Mino’s decipherment will withstand peer review. Experts at Rutgers and Cambridge are currently evaluating his methodology and findings. The validity of his identification of the Semitic language and the accuracy of his translations remain to be established. No peer-reviewed publication has yet endorsed his work, and some scholars remain skeptical about AI-based decipherments of ancient scripts.
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Next Steps in Confirming the Decipherment’s Validity
Di Mino’s research is now undergoing peer review by linguistics experts. If accepted, it could lead to publication and wider scholarly discussion. Additional analysis and independent verification are expected to follow, potentially involving further artifact examination and comparative linguistic studies. The outcome of this review will determine whether his decipherment becomes accepted as a breakthrough or remains a preliminary hypothesis.
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Key Questions
What is Linear A and why has it been undeciphered?
Linear A is a Minoan script used around 1800-1450 BC, primarily on Crete. It remains undeciphered because its symbols and language do not match known scripts or languages, and previous attempts have not yielded conclusive results.
Who is Tom Di Mino and what is his background?
Tom Di Mino is a self-taught AI engineer and amateur linguist based in the Hudson Valley. He began analyzing Linear A in January 2026 and announced his findings in May, claiming a breakthrough in decipherment.
What evidence does Di Mino present to support his claims?
He analyzed prayer inscriptions following a specific formula, identified a key symbol as representing a Semitic root, and proposed translations for signs and terms. His work includes a draft manuscript under review by experts.
What are the implications if Di Mino’s decipherment is confirmed?
It would resolve a long-standing mystery about the Minoan language, potentially linking it to ancient Semitic languages and providing new insights into Bronze Age civilization and trade.
Source: Hacker News
