Linear B syllable a₂

In syllabic spelling, it represents a₂, conventionally read as an aspirated ha. The subscript 2 distinguishes it from ordinary a: Linear B used a for both a and ha, while a₂ marked ha. Here, h represents a breathy onset before the vowel.

Placement changes its role. Before a numeral, a₂ is also reported as a logogram—a sign for a counted item—but the item it refers to is unknown.

Where did 𐁀 come from?

It developed from Linear A as scribes adapted the script for Mycenaean Greek. Linear B reused much of Linear A’s sign system. The oldest surviving group of Linear B tablets comes from the Room of Chariot Tablets at Knossos, dated to the late 15th or early 14th century BCE; a₂ appears in that early Knossos tradition.

Palace officials used clay tablets to keep records of goods, people, labour, and offerings. These were short-term records, and some survived because accidental fires hardened the clay.

The sign’s regional history is distinctive: it appears in early Knossos records, is absent from later Knossos phases, and continues in mainland palace archives at Pylos, Thebes, Mycenae, and Ayios Vasileios.

How to type 𐁀

Use Unicode input or an HTML character reference. This character lies beyond the basic multilingual plane, so a dedicated keyboard key is uncommon. A font with Linear B glyph coverage is also needed to display it.