Four probable terms in Mycenaean Greek pertaining to water management, some possible references, and broader implications

Abstract

Abstract 1. Given the latest archaeological evidence, one should expect terms pertaining to water management and hydraulic engineering in the Linear B corpus. Identification of such terms will aid in current and future interpretations. 2. Archaeological context. 3. Four terms: (1) a-de-te /*arde(s)tḗr/ ‘irrigator’; (2) e-re-e-u /heleheu̯s/ ‘he pertaining to marshland’ (probably land improvement functionary in reciprocal management relationship with e-sa-re-u); (3) *po-te-re-u /*bothreu̯s/ (/*phothreus/?) ‘he pertaining to trenches’; (4) *u-do-no-o /(h)udr̥nohos/ ‘water-channeler’ (< IE *nei̯H-/*noi̯H- ‘channeling, directing, diverting, driving’, etc.). 4. Some possibilities: ko-ku-ro, pe-re-wa-ta, e-ko-me-no, and za-e-to-ro. 5. Discussion: water management and organization of labor recorded in the Linear B texts. 6. Conclusions.