Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Riddle of the Labyrinth summary
Brief summary
The Riddle of the Labyrinth by Margalit Fox is a captivating historical account that delves into the decipherment of Linear B, an ancient script from the Bronze Age. It follows the work of archaeologist Arthur Evans and linguist Alice Kober in unraveling this ancient mystery.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Riddle of the Labyrinth
Summary of key ideas
The Mysterious Script
In The Riddle of the Labyrinth by Margalit Fox, we are taken on a journey to unravel the mystery of the ancient Minoan script, Linear B. The story begins in 1900 when British archaeologist Arthur Evans discovers the ruins of the ancient city of Knossos on the island of Crete. Among the ruins, Evans finds clay tablets inscribed with a script that no one can read. He names this script Linear B.
Evans spends the next three decades trying to decipher Linear B, but to no avail. After his death, the task is taken up by a young architect named Michael Ventris. Ventris, who is fascinated by ancient scripts, becomes obsessed with Linear B and spends years trying to crack its code.
The Decipherment
As Ventris delves deeper into the script, he realizes that Linear B is not a language but a syllabic script, representing the sounds of the Mycenaean Greek language. He also discovers that the script is used to record economic transactions, such as the distribution of goods and labor. Ventris' breakthrough comes in 1952 when he deciphers the word 'to-jo' as 'total', proving that Linear B is indeed an early form of Greek.
Ventris' decipherment of Linear B is a major achievement in the field of linguistics and archaeology. It not only sheds light on the Mycenaean civilization but also provides valuable insights into the early development of the Greek language and economy. Ventris' work is widely acclaimed, and he becomes a celebrated figure in the academic world.
The Unsung Heroine
While Ventris is credited with the decipherment of Linear B, Fox also highlights the significant contribution of a lesser-known figure, Alice Kober. Kober, a brilliant linguist and classicist, had been working on Linear B independently of Ventris. She had meticulously cataloged and analyzed thousands of Linear B tablets, developing a system of classification that Ventris would later use to decipher the script.
Despite her groundbreaking work, Kober's contribution to the decipherment of Linear B is largely overshadowed by Ventris' success. Tragically, Kober dies of cancer in 1950, just two years before Ventris makes his breakthrough. Fox's portrayal of Kober as an unsung heroine serves as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked role of women in the history of science.
The Legacy of Linear B
In the final part of The Riddle of the Labyrinth, Fox reflects on the enduring legacy of Linear B. The decipherment of the script not only revolutionized our understanding of ancient Greece but also paved the way for future studies in historical linguistics and epigraphy. Linear B tablets continue to be a vital source of information for scholars studying the Mycenaean civilization.
In conclusion, The Riddle of the Labyrinth is a captivating exploration of the quest to decipher an ancient script. Through the intertwined stories of Evans, Ventris, and Kober, Fox provides a fascinating account of the intellectual challenges and triumphs involved in unlocking the secrets of a lost language. The book is a testament to the enduring power of human curiosity and the remarkable achievements it can inspire.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Riddle of the Labyrinth about?
The Riddle of the Labyrinth by Margalit Fox is a fascinating exploration of the ancient Minoan civilization and the decipherment of their mysterious script, Linear B. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Fox delves into the lives of the archaeologists and codebreakers who unraveled this ancient puzzle, shedding light on a lost world and the power of language.
The Riddle of the Labyrinth Review
The Riddle of the Labyrinth (2013) offers an intriguing exploration of an ancient script and the remarkable woman who deciphered it. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Unveils the fascinating world of ancient languages, taking readers on a journey to uncover the meaning of mysterious symbols.
- Highlights the intellectual prowess of an overlooked female scholar, showing the power of persistence and determination.
- Keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful narrative and the thrill of cracking an ancient code.
Who should read The Riddle of the Labyrinth?
- History enthusiasts who are curious about ancient civilizations
- Language lovers interested in the origins and development of writing systems
- Readers who enjoy narratives that combine mystery, intellectual pursuit, and historical discovery
Categories with The Riddle of the Labyrinth
Book summaries like The Riddle of the Labyrinth
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Riddle of the Labyrinth FAQs
What is the main message of The Riddle of the Labyrinth?
The main message of The Riddle of the Labyrinth lies in the power of decoding an ancient language and uncovering the hidden truths of the past.
How long does it take to read The Riddle of the Labyrinth?
The estimated reading time for The Riddle of the Labyrinth varies depending on the reader's pace. For a quick overview, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Riddle of the Labyrinth a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Riddle of the Labyrinth is definitely worth reading. It offers a fascinating exploration into the world of ancient scripts and the untold stories they unravel.
Who is the author of The Riddle of the Labyrinth?
The author of The Riddle of the Labyrinth is Margalit Fox.
What to read after The Riddle of the Labyrinth?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Riddle of the Labyrinth, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- Incognito by David Eagleman
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks