An updating note on minoan fractions, measures, and weights

This paper contains remarks on the epigraphic and archaeological evidence for the relative values of Linear A fractions and for the absolute values of the Minoan largest units of measurement. It is chiefly aimed at reviewing updated bibliography on the matter, and understanding whether the similarity between Linear A and B symbols for measures and weight rests on identical values. As far as the concluding remarks are concerned, in the light of recent publications the following values remain the most probable for the most attested Linear A fractions: J = 1/2, D = 1/3, E = 1/4, A = 1/20, H = 3/10, X = 9/20, F = 1/8, B = 1/5, K = 1/16. Mycenaean ideograms for measures conventionally transcribed as T, M, and N seem to derive from Linear A fraction signs conventionally transcribed as K, DD, X, but do not seem to rely on identical values or express analogous ratios. Finally, the occurrence of sign *118 in Linear A is reviewed and contrasted with the use of ideogram *118 and syllabogram *90 in Linear B.