Translation of Knossos tablet KN 783 B 0 4: the practioner’s tablet

Translation of Knossos tablet KN 783 B 0 4: the practioner’s tablet



The “practioner’s” tablet appears to refer to a medical practitioner. In classical Greek, the word didaskaleios always refers to a  “teacher”. But it cannot literally mean this in Minoan/Mycenaean times, because there was no literature as such to teach. However, medical practitioners or doctors could teach their disciples or students.  This is what I believe this tablet is about. I cannot be sure; no one can. In addition to the medical component, there must have also been a religious one, since in the ancient world, medical practices were more often than not, conducted under the auspices of favourable religious omens.

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