Linear B writing system is an ancient script used by Mycenaean Greeks from around 1450 to 1200 BC, a period which predates the later classical Greek civilization.

The script was deciphered in 20th century by British archaeologist Michael Ventris, OBE (1922-1956).

It was found to be an early form of Greek language. But did the ancient Greeks of classical period know about this earlier script?

In this article, we will explore this question by delving into a fascinating story recounted by Plutarch about tomb of Alcmene, mother of Hercules, and discovery made by Agesilaus of Sparta (444–360 BC).

According to Greek mythology, Alcmene was the mortal mother of the demigod Hercules, who was fathered by Zeus.

Her tomb was said to be located in the ancient city of Haliartus in Boeotia.

Diodoros Siculus (5.57.3–5) and Plutarch (De Genio Socratis 577e–579b) give us some interesting stories about the very first writing system of the Greeks and tell us a story about Agesilaus, the king of Sparta, who visited the tomb while on a campaign against Thebes in 370 BC.

According to Plutarch, when Agesilaus of Sparta (444–360 BC) opened the tomb of Alcmene, mother of Hercules, located at Haliartos city in Boeotia, he and his men discovered a bronze tablet engraved with peculiar letters.

Plutarch describes these symbols as "very ancient" and "barbaric" letters (“ἔχων γράμματα πολλὰ θαυμαστὰ ὡς παμπάλαια... αλλ' ίδιος τις ο τύπος και βαρβαρικός των χαρακτήρων”) that Agesilaus had to send to Egypt for decipherment.

It is speculated that these symbols might have been an example of the Linear B writing system.

Agesilaus, who was an educated man and well-versed in the Greek language, found these symbols unfamiliar and indecipherable.

The Egyptians' answer was not very convincing, so apparently, they could not read the inscribed text.

Linear B was used primarily for administrative purposes in the Mycenaean palatial centers, such as Knossos and Pylos.

The symbols on the bronze tablet found in Alcmene's tomb might be an example of this ancient script.

If so, it is likely that Agesilaus and the ancient Greeks of his time were unaware of their civilization's earlier writing system.

There is also the testimony of Diodoros Siculus, who talks to us about the lost knowledge of writing during a big flood that took place in prehistoric Greece.

Diodorus Siculus was a first-century BC Greek historian, known for his extensive work, "Bibliotheca Historica," a universal history from mythological times to 60 BC.

In his narratives, he recounted a significant flood event that allegedly wiped out almost all written documents and records, leading to an immense loss of historical knowledge and collective memory.

In his accounts, Diodorus spoke of a catastrophic flood, a deluge of epic proportions that wreaked havoc on ancient civilizations.

This flood was said to be so devastating that it destroyed nearly all written monuments and records of the time.

Devastation wrought by this flood not only resulted in material loss but also led to a significant loss of cultural and historical memory.