BAAM-A Series, Vol. 1 — The L-Group Classifier: Evidence for a Two-Tier Administrative Structure in Linear A

This paper presents the first focused study within the BAAM-A research framework, examining the structural role of the L-group (L, L2, L3, L4) in Linear A administrative texts. A corpus-based analysis of positional behavior and co-occurrence patterns demonstrates that the L-group consistently appears within individual line items, where it links quantity expressions (including fractional values) with commodity markers. This supports the interpretation of the L-group as a functional classifier operating at the level of administrative entries. In contrast, the aggregation marker KU-RO operates on a separate structural layer. No direct interaction between L-signs and KU-RO is observed, indicating a clear functional separation between item-level processing and aggregation. The resulting model suggests a two-tier administrative structure in Linear A, consisting of a classificatory entry system and an independent aggregation mechanism. This study is part of the BAAM-A (Bilanz–Administrative–Accounting Model) framework, which approaches Linear A as a structured administrative system rather than a phonetic writing system. The analysis is based exclusively on observable structural patterns and does not rely on phonological assumptions. The results are reproducible and intended as a contribution to structural and administrative approaches to undeciphered writing systems. Concept, structure, modeling and coding: M.G. Grella Location: Potsdam, Germany Initial version: July 2025 Contact: [email protected] © Cryptohistory Lab Potsdam Grella, M. G. (2026). BAAM-A v3.1: A Functional Reconstruction Framework for Linear A Based on Administrative and Accounting Logic. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19193678 Grella, M. G. (2026). MOSI-A: Minoan Operational Stratification Investigation – Model A (1.0). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18825904