Phaistos Disk

Both sides of the Phaistos Disk.
Larger version.

The Phaistos Disk (or Phaestos Disk) was discovered at Phaistos[?], Crete, in 1903, during the excavation of a Minoan site. It is a clay disc, about six inches in diameter, inscribed on both sides with pictograms whose purpose and meaning has not yet been definitely established. Its geographical origin is unknown.

There are a total of 241 figures, including human figures, fish, birds, insects, trees, bowls, shields, boats and other objects. Many attempts have been made to decipher it, and possible interpretations include a prayer, an adventure story, and a geometric theorem.

The disk has been assigned a date of about 1700 BC, making it one of the earliest printed inscriptions known to man. It is now on display at the archaeological museum of Heraklion.

		Phaistos Disk
		Both sides of the Phaistos Disk. Larger version. The Phaistos Disk (or Phaestos Disk) was discovered at Phaistos[?], Crete, in 1903, during the excavation of a Minoan site. It is a clay disc, about six inches in diameter, inscribed on both sides with pictograms whose purpose and meaning has not yet been definitely established. Its geographical origin is unknown. There are a total of 241 figures, including human figures, fish, birds, insects, trees, bowls, shields, boats and other objects. Many attempts have been made to decipher it, and possible interpretations include a prayer, an adventure story, and a geometric theorem. The disk has been assigned a date of about 1700 BC, making it one of the earliest printed inscriptions known to man. It is now on display at the archaeological museum of Heraklion.
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