Mycenaean Greek is an ancient form of the Greek language that was spoken and written during the Mycenaean civilization, which flourished from around 1600 to 1100 BCE. It is primarily known from inscriptions found on clay tablets, written in a script called Linear B. This script was used for administrative and economic purposes, providing valuable insights into the society and culture of the time.
The Mycenaean civilization is considered a precursor to later Greek culture, influencing language, art, and mythology. Mycenaean Greek is significant for understanding the development of the Greek language and the early history of Greece. It is the earliest attested form of Greek and serves as a crucial link to the later classical period.