An alphabetic parallel for Mycenaean ma-ka

Abstract

Abstract The Mycenaean term ma-ka is recorded on tablets from Thebes, mostly belonging to the Fq series. Even though its interpretation has been broadly investigated, it still lacks a widely shared alphabetic reading. This paper provides a 1st millennium Greek parallel, and such proposal has been made both taking into account previous studies on the subject as well as approaching the whole question from a different point of view. Results emerging from this hypothesis are then used to further clarify certain content aspects of the tablets attesting ma-ka as well as to cast new light on other related controversial issues