TL;DR
An amateur linguist and AI engineer claims to have deciphered Linear A, a 120-year-old Minoan script. Experts are currently reviewing his findings, which could revolutionize understanding of ancient languages.
A self-taught AI engineer and amateur linguist has announced that he may have deciphered Linear A, a Bronze Age Minoan script that has remained undeciphered for over 120 years. His claims are now being reviewed by experts at Rutgers and Cambridge, marking a potential breakthrough in ancient linguistics.
Tom Di Mino, based in the Hudson Valley, began working on Linear A in January 2026 and announced on May 22 that he had identified key symbols and their meanings, including a connection to an extinct Semitic language related to biblical Hebrew. His work involves analyzing inscriptions that follow a specific formula, allowing him to interpret previously unknown symbols and words.
Di Mino claims to have proposed readings for 37 of the script’s 102 signs, including all 13 symbols unique to Linear A, and has developed a draft grammar and lexicon based on his decipherment. His methodology utilizes AI-driven analysis and pattern recognition, which he credits as essential to his progress.
Experts at Rutgers and Cambridge are currently reviewing these claims, with no official confirmation of success or acceptance yet announced. The significance of this potential breakthrough could be profound, as Linear A has eluded scholars since its discovery in the early 20th century, and its language remains unknown.
Potential Impact on Ancient Language Studies
If validated, Di Mino’s decipherment could transform understanding of Minoan civilization and ancient Near Eastern languages. It might also provide new insights into early Semitic languages and their influence on later cultures, including Hebrew. The breakthrough could challenge long-held assumptions and open new avenues for archaeological and linguistic research.
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Historical Background of Linear A and B
Linear A is a Minoan script dating from around 1800 BC, used until approximately 1450 BC, when Crete was conquered by Mycenaean Greeks. Linear B, a related script used by the Mycenaeans, was deciphered in 1952 by Michael Ventris, revealing it to be Greek. Unlike Linear B, Linear A has remained undeciphered, with previous efforts failing to produce a definitive translation. Linear A inscriptions are primarily administrative, making linguistic analysis difficult.
Previous hypotheses, such as those by Cyrus Gordon in 1957 suggesting links to Semitic languages, did not lead to widespread acceptance. Di Mino’s approach differs by leveraging pattern recognition and AI tools, which may provide new insights into the script’s structure and language.
“If validated, this could be one of the most significant breakthroughs in ancient linguistics in over a century.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Verification Process and Scholarly Acceptance
It is not yet confirmed whether Di Mino’s decipherment will be validated by experts. The review process is ongoing, and no official peer-reviewed publication or endorsement has been announced. The methodology and interpretations remain subject to scrutiny, and skepticism persists within the academic community.
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Next Steps in Expert Review and Publication
Experts at Rutgers and Cambridge are conducting detailed evaluations of Di Mino’s findings. If validated, the work could be published in a peer-reviewed journal, potentially leading to broader acceptance. Researchers will likely analyze the proposed signs, grammar, and lexicon further, and compare them with existing inscriptions and linguistic data.
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Key Questions
Has the decipherment been officially accepted?
No, the claims are currently under review by experts at Rutgers and Cambridge; official acceptance has not yet been announced.
What evidence does Di Mino present for his claims?
He has proposed readings for 37 signs, developed a draft grammar, and identified links to Semitic languages based on pattern analysis and AI tools.
Could this really be a breakthrough?
If confirmed, it would be a major breakthrough, potentially rewriting the history of Minoan civilization and ancient languages.
What remains uncertain about this claim?
The validity of the decipherment, the accuracy of the proposed translations, and whether the academic community will accept the findings are all still uncertain.
Source: Hacker News
