U+1002A "𐀪" Linear B Syllable B053 Ri Unicode Character

U+1002A "𐀪" Linear B Syllable B053 Ri is a symbol from the Linear B script, an ancient writing system used primarily for administrative records in Mycenaean Greek civilization, dating back to roughly 1450–1200 BCE. Deciphered in the mid-20th century by Michael Ventris and John Chadwick, this character represents the syllabic value "ri" and belongs to a script composed of approximately 90 syllabic signs and numerous logograms. Found on clay tablets preserved by accidental firing during palace destructions, such as at Knossos and Pylos, the character appears in inventories and economic documents, recording items like commodities or personnel with the phonetic syllable "ri". Its inclusion in the Unicode Standard helps preserve and allow digital study of this crucial key to understanding early Greek language and society.