TL;DR
Tom Di Mino leveraged Python scripts and Claude Code to decipher Bronze-age Linear A script, proposing 40 sign readings and a 408-term lexicon under peer review.
Key Points
- Proposed phonetic readings for 40 Linear A signs, including 13 previously unknown values
- Built Python corpus analysis tools using Claude Code to systematically test hypotheses against GORILA/SigLA databases
- Created 408-term English lexicon and identified Linear A as extinct Semitic language precursor to Hebrew/Arabic
- Resolved 5 previously unknown Linear B sound values, validating findings across related script system
Why It Matters
This demonstrates how AI-assisted tooling can accelerate pattern recognition in historical linguistics at scale—systematizing what would require months of manual analysis. If verified by Rutgers/Cambridge experts, it validates computational approaches to deciphering ancient texts and could unlock similar breakthroughs in other undeciphered writing systems.
Source: aiclambake.com