John Chadwick was a British linguist and archaeologist, best known for his work on the ancient script of Linear B. He played a crucial role in deciphering this writing system, which was used by the Mycenaean civilization in ancient Greece. His groundbreaking work helped to unlock the history and culture of this early society. Chadwick's collaboration with the archaeologist Michael Ventris in the 1950s led to significant advancements in understanding Mycenaean Greek. Their efforts revealed that Linear B was an early form of the Greek language, providing valuable insights into the administrative and economic practices of the time.