CH.4: DAILY LIFE ON CRETE

CHAPTER 4
DATA ABOUT DAILY LIFE ON CRETE, c.1458 BC
4.1 EXPLANATION OF THE APPROACH: SHIPS
4.2 FISHERY, CATTLE-BREEDING, AND AGRICULTURE
4.3 GOVERNMENT IN THE PALACES AND TEMPLES
4.4 EDUCATION & RELIGION
4.5 BUSINESS
4.6 HEALTH CARE
4.7 FUNERALS
4.8 WOODWORKING INDUSTRY
4.9 DISCUSSION

Dr. R.M. de Jonge ©, drsrmdejonge@hotmail.com

SUMMARY
The disc possesses 45 different symbols, and a total of 242 signs. Each sign has a mea-
ning and a passage number, which is situated at the start of one or two series of passages,
finishing with the powerful King, or Queen. This encodes for almost each sign a total
number, because the length of the series of passages determines the number of figures of
it. However, each symbol may have different meanings, dependent on its position on the
disc, on front or back side, and on inner part or edge. The signs may represent the yearly
production of goods, and the number of people (men and women) making these, but also
valuable objects. In this way we discovered, that c.6,000 people made c.30 ships per year
for a Fleet of c.150 ships, maintained by c.7,400 men and women. The total number of
people encoded on the disc this way, equals the population of Crete, c.140,000 men, as
mentioned in the previous Chapter. The disc turns out to give a very accurate description
of daily life on Crete at the end of the New Palace Culture, c.1458 BC.

4.1 EXPLANATION OF THE APPROACH: SHIPS
Introduction
A hypothesis is formulated about the meaning of an important aspect of the Phaistos Disc.
We know the disc is descended from the island of Crete, and we noticed that its date is
accurately indicated (Ch.2). For this reason, we believe the disc may provide a description
of daily life on Crete around the year of c.1458 BC.

The disc possesses 45 different symbols, used in a total of 242 signs (Ch.2). Some sym-
bols have meanings which are quite obvious, but for other signs the situation is less clear.
In addition, many symbols appear to have different meanings dependent on their location,
on front or back side, and on inner part or edge. Some symbols appear to represent certain
objects, but most signs turn out to give the yearly productions of goods, and the numbers
of people (men and women), who are making these. Other symbols provide the numbers
of people working in particular industries, or in certain functions of the government.
Because of the complexity of the whole description, we limit our comments to the most
difficult cases, and we do not discuss our results in an extensive way, using material which
is only vaguely known in the literature about this subject.

Seaworthy ships
Chapter 3 showed how the size of the population of Crete is encoded on the Phaistos Disc,

as well as the way in which population numbers around palaces and temples can be
determined. However, if numbers of men are encoded, other numbers might be hidden on
the disc as well. It seems logical to assume these encodings have a more or less similar
structure. So, we shall look for similar encodings, related to other, important subjects, and
we shall try to establish these quantities in the same way.

Both sides of the disc possess an Inner Part and an Edge. In the inner part of the front side
the symbol of the “boat” (Fig.4.3, #25) occurs in passages A12 and A18 (Fig.4.1). Note,
that these boats have both sails and oars. One may wonder how many seaworthy ships the
island of Crete possesses. In c.1458 BC, which is the date of the disc (Ch.2), such ships
were very valuable. So, it appears to be a good idea to start looking for this number.

A18 may be at the start of a series of 1 or 3 passages, because both of these finish with the
symbol of the “King”, who possesses many ships (Fig.4.1). A18 may also be at the start of
2 passages, because this series finishes at the end of a paragraph, even at the end of the
inner part of this side. However, A18 will not form 4 passages, because the “messenger”
(#1) in A21 is not important enough. In general, A18 will not form 1 passage either,
because in that case it will represent 1 ship, because the second number (8) of 18 is not
confirmed.

A12 may be at the start of a series of 1, 2, or 4 passages, because these finish with the
“King”, who possesses many ships. A12 will not form 3 passages, because the “fish” in
A14 is not important enough. In general, A12 will not form 1 passage, for reasons just
discussed. A12 will not form 4 passages either, because these represent 1,200 seaworthy
ships (12, written in 4 figures). For a people of 140 thousand men living in that time
period, this number is far too high. It may be concluded, that it is rather difficult to answer
the question!

Let us look at the back side of the disc (Fig.4.2). In the inner part of the back side the
symbol of the boat (#25) occurs in passages B2 and B9. May be this information will bring
us closer to the answer. B2 may be at the start of 2 passages, because this series finishes
with the “King”, who possesses many ships. It may also form 3 passages, because B4 is at
the end of a paragraph. B9 may form 1 passage at the end of the paragraph, but it may also
form 2 passages, because B10 is at the end of a paragraph, too. However, the original
question was, how many seaworthy ships Crete possesses!

The question might be answered by combining and comparing all possibilities. However,
it appears that the original question was not correct!- The boat in passage B2 on the back
side touches a hammer, and the same happens in passage B9. So, it appears, that the
information does not refer to the possession of ships, but to their fabrication!- The disc has
two sides with a total of 31+30= 61 passages, which correspond to a time period of 61
years. So, each passage corresponds to one year. This statement appears to be important,
because it suggests that the production of these ships will be expressed in units per year,
which sounds reasonable.

Because of the complexity of the problem, we may expect to get some help from the
maker of the disc. Let us look at the front side, again. A18 on this side is situated at the
start of a nice series of 2 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph, which is also the
end of the inner part. This series encodes a production of 18 seaworthy ships per year (18,
written in 2 figures). Note, that the edge of the disc is symbolic for the coast of Crete! A12
can also form 2 passages, finishing with the "King", who possesses many ships, and with

the “falcon”, symbol of God. This series encodes 12 ships per year (12, written in 2
figures). Probably, we have to add these quantities. So, added up, Crete appears to produ-
ce 18+12= c.30 seaworthy ships per year. However, how do we know if this is correct?

On the back side passage B2 is at the start of 2 passages, finishing with the powerful
“King”, who possesses many ships. This series encodes a production of 20 ships per year
(2, written in 2 figures). B9 forms 1 single passage at the end of the paragraph, encoding 9
ships per year (9, written in 1 figure). If the addition on side A was correct, we have to
perform a similar addition in the inner part of side B. So, added up, the island appears to
produce 20+9= c.29 seaworthy ships per year. This is about the same number compared to
side A. The production is confirmed! The maker of the disc is helping us with the
problem, indeed!

People assembling ships
These 30 or so ships have to be assembled each year. The question arises: how many
people were involved in making them? To answer it, knowledge and experience with the
previous problems will be used. It is an important question, but it is not an easy one,
because how is this number defined? All men in the factories are included, of course, but it
turns out their wifes, who are probably staying at home, too. This turns out to be a general
rule at the Phaistos Disc.

The boat in passage A12 on the front side points to a “messenger” (#1) in A6, which
indicates number of people. So, it appears this kind of information is encoded on the disc.
The boat in passage A18 points to the last symbol of A9, which is a “King”. So, passage
A6 with the messenger forms a series of 9-5= 4 passages, finishing with this powerful
“King”, for whom it is all done. It encodes 6,000 people (6, written in 4 figures), who
were involved in assembling these seaworthy ships. Note, that the result is a nice, round
number. It leads to a reasonable figure for the production crew, of about 6,000/30= c.200
people per ship.

In passage B6 on the back side the “square” (#18), or carpenters triangle, touches a
hammer. A similar feature was noticed previously. B6 also forms a series of 4 passages,
finishing with A9 at the end of the paragraph, where the boat touches the hammer, again.
This series does not contain a “messenger”, but it confirms the number of 6,000 people (6,
written in 4 figures), who were involved in making the seaworthy ships.

Note, that the symbol of the boat also appears on the edge of side B! Is it conceivable that
we made a mistake in our analysis …? This time the answer is definitely: No! We
discovered how many ships were constructed each year, and how many people were
involved in this activity. But we still don’t know anything about the size of the Fleet!

The Fleet of Crete
The edge of the disc is symbolic for the coastal waters of Crete. So, the boats on this edge
will provide information about the size of the fleet, which is anchored there. In this special
case the passages will be counted in a different way, because we are dealing with the coast
of the island. Counted along the edge (E) boats appear in passages E1, E4, and E9. The
easiest solution of the problem is probably the right one. So, Crete possesses a fleet of
c.149 ships. This is a rather round number, again, which is encouraging. The result is
important, because it shows each ship had an average life time of about 149/30= 5 years,
which sounds reasonable. From the scarse data about this subject, it is well-known that the
Fleet of Crete was impressive in this time period, c.1458 BC (Refs.7-11,21-23).

People working on the Fleet
One may wonder, how many people are working on this fleet. The symbol of the
“messenger” appears in passages E1, E5, and E6, counted along the edge, again (side B).
Note, that the boat in E1 touches B10, ending with the sign of “religion” (#22). So,
passage E1 with the messenger and the boat will form a series of 4 passages, finishing with
another boat and this sign of religion. It encodes 1,000 people (1, written in 4 figures),
working with these ships. E6 with the messenger also forms a series of 4 passages,
finishing with a boat and the sign of religion at the end of the paragraph. It encodes a
number of 6,000 people (6, written in 4 figures). Note, that this boat touches B16, pointing
to a fish.

Finally, E4 with a boat and the sign of religion forms a series of 3 passages, finishing with
the fish and a messenger at the end of the paragraph. It also contains passage E5 with
another messenger. This series encodes 400 people (4, written in 3 figures), working on
the fleet. So, added up, a total number of 1,000+400+6,000= c.7,400 people are working
on these ships. It is a rather round number, which is encouraging, again. On the average,
7,400/149= c.50 people are working on each seaworthy ship, which sounds reasonable.

Sometimes it is difficult to decide how many passages are formed from a certain symbol.
Here the three contributions provide the thousands and the hundreds, respectively, but this
is not a general rule. Each case needs an appropriate solution. Sometimes help is provided
by the maker of the disc. However, usually, the poblems involved can be easily solved.
After addition of the individual amounts, the total number should be a realistic one. It is
often a rather round number. The total number of people working in all fields should be
equal to the total population of Crete, c.140,000 men, as mentioned on the disc (Ch.3, see
also Table 4.2). After some study the necessary experience is gained to make successful
choices in this respect. In a few cases the circumstances are so complex, that a complete
investigation has to be carried out in order to make the right decision. However, to
promote the readableness of the book, these deductions have not been completely written
down in the text.

The order of the paragraphs in this Chapter is caused by the nature of the different kinds of
information on the Phaistos Disc. After this introduction about the boats, we shall continue
with a paragraph about fishery, cattle-breeding, and agriculture, because these subjects are
relatively simple. Next, we shall try to collect as much information as possible about the
government, who seats in the palaces and temples. This is the core of the information on
the disc. The paragraph is rather difficult, because in many cases it is not directly obvious
which data are provided by which kind of symbols. The same holds for the next paragraph
dealing with education. The other paragraphs are becoming more simple, again, and their
order is rather logic. The paragraph about business proceeds for an important part from
symbols, which were already discussed in earlier paragraphs, as will be explained. We
shall finish with the important woodworking industry on Crete, because this subject is
hardest from a technical point of view.

Fig.4.1 Front side A of the Phaistos Disc
(Crete, c.1458 BC) (Courtesy L. Godart, Ref.1)

Fig.4.2 Back side B of the Phaistos Disc

4.2 FISHERY, CATTLE-BREEDING, AND AGRICULTURE
Freshwater fishery
The disc has two sides with 31+30= 61 passages, corresponding to 61 years. So, each
passage corresponds to one year. This statement is important, because it shows that
production of goods mentioned on the disc, will be expressed in units per year. The disc
has also an Inner Part and an Edge. Symbols on these parts may have different meanings,
as we have seen before, depending on their individual nature. In the inner part of the disc
the symbol of a “fish” (Fig.4.3, #33) occurs in passages A14, B15, and B16. The inner
part is symbolic for the territory of the island of Crete. So, one may wonder how many
freshwater fishes are caught per year.

We choose for this problem, although it is not an easy one. A14 on the front side is at the
start of a group of 6 passages, finishing at the end of a paragraph, which is also the end of
the inner part. The group resembles a kind of river, which is related to the subject. It
encodes 140,000 fishes (14, written in 6 figures). B15 on the back side also forms a group

of 6 passages. Note, that the paragraph-line of B11 accurately points to the end of B20. So,
the group finishes at the end of a kind of paragraph, but also with the “King”, where the
fishing is brought to. It encodes 150,000 fishes. A similar group from B16 does not finish
at the end of a paragraph, or with a “King”. However, in spite of this we choose for a
group of equal length, because it finishes with a “temple”, where the fishing is handed in.
It encodes 160,000 fishes (16, written in 6 figures). The group resembles a kind of river,
again.

The passage numbers and the corresponding values of the fishings are close to each other.
This means the maker of the disc is helping us with the problem. So, on the average,
c.150,000 freshwater fishes are caught per year.- However, maybe we have to add the
individual contributions!! If so, a total number of c.450,000 fishes are caught per year!
How do we know the right answer?

Side A has 31 passages. So, the number 45 might be encoded by 45-31= B14, or A14. The
last one has a fish, again. A14 is at the start of a nice series of 6 passages, finishing at the
end of the inner part. It encodes c.450,000 fishes (45, written in 6 figures).- Let us also use
A4 and A5 on this side. These form nice series of 6 and 5 passages, repectively, both
finishing with a “King” in passage A9, at the end of the paragraph. It confirms this number
of fishes.- Finally, let us use B4 and B5 on the back side. These also form nice series of 6
and 5 passages, respectively, both finishing with B9 at the end of the paragraph. The
“corpse” shows the fishes are killed. So, it is confirmed twice! For the interior of Crete,
the catch turns out to be 450,000/140,000= c.3.2 freshwater fishes per person per year. We
think this is a realistic number. The quantity is low, but the island only possesses a few
little rivers.

One may wonder how many people work professionally in freshwater fishery. B15 forms
2 passages, both with the "fish", and finishing with the "messenger", who indicates number
of people. The small group encodes 15 people (15, written in 2 figures). A14 and B16 may
also form groups of 2 passages, finishing (at the end of the paragraph) with the "King" and
his "Palace", where the fishing is handed in. All indicated numbers are close to each other,
which means the maker of the disc is helping us, again. So, on the average only c.15
people work professionally in freshwater fishery.- However, maybe we have to add the
individual contributions, again!! If so, a total number of c.45 people work professionally
in freshwater fishery! How do we know the right answer?

Side A has 31 passages. So, the number 45 might be encoded by 45-31= B14. Note, that it
contains a “messenger”, indicating number of people. Note also, that the fish in the next
passage almost touches B14. It is at the start of a nice series of 2 passages, finishing with
the “fish” and the “Queen”, a possible Head of State. It encodes c.45 people, who work in
freshwater fishery (45, written in 2 figures). Let us also use B4 and B5 on this side. These
form nice series of 2 and 1 passages, respectively, both finishing with special passage B5
(“Education learns the tipsy Cat-god to doubt”, Ch.5). Note, that B5 equals B10 and
strongly resembles B13. So, the number is confirmed. On the average, each fisher catches
c.10,000 freshwater fishes per year.

Seafishery
On the edges of the disc the symbol of a fish (#33) occurs in passages A27, B24, and B26.
The edges are symbolic for the sea around the island. So, one may wonder how many
seafishes are caught per year. B24 is at the start of a group of 7 passages, finishing with a
“shield” and a “King” at the end of the side, where the fishing is handed in. It encodes

2,400,000 fishes (27, written in 7 figures). The fish in B26 forms 5 passages, also finishing
at the end of the side. The series corresponds to 26,000 fishes (26, written in 5 figures).
A27 forms a group of 6 passages, finishing with the bow and arrow in A19, at the end of
the inner part. It encodes 270,000 fishes (27, written in 6 figures). Added up, a total of
c.2,696,000 (c.2.7 million) seafishes are caught per year, which is a nice round number. It
may be noted, that in prehistoric times all seas on Earth were abundant in fish.

Note, that passage A27 on the front side confirms the total number. It has a fish, and it is
at the start of a series of 7 passages, finishing at A20 with the “shield” and the “King”,
again, where the fishery is brought to. So, c.2,700,000 seafishes (27, written in 7 figures)
are caught per year. Let us also use A2 and A7 on this side, although the passages do not
possess a fish. A2 forms a series of 7 passages, finishing with the “Queen”, a possible
Head of State, where the fishing is handed in. A7 forms a series of 6 passages, finishing
with special passage A13 (“The power of God protects the King”, Ch.5). Note, that
passages B10, B13, and B16 are identical. The number of fishes is confirmed twice, which
means the maker of the disc is helping us. For the whole of Crete, it is c.19 seafishes per
person per year, which sounds reasonable. So, seafishing is important, which has been
confirmed by excavations (Refs.7-11).

One may wonder how many people are working professionally in seafishery. B24 has a
fish, but also a “messenger”, indicating number of people. It forms a group of 3 passages,
finishing with the "temple of the Fish-god", where the fishing is handed in. It encodes 240
people (24, written in 3 figures). The fish in B26 clearly points to the “messenger” of
neighboring passage B16. It forms a series of 3 passages, finishing with the “temples of
the Cat-god” at the end of the inner side. It corresponds with 160 people (16, written in 3
figures). So, in total 240+160= c.400 people are working in seafishery. On the average,
each fisher catches c.6,750 seafishes per year.

Cattle-breeding: big hoofed animals
On the disc the symbol of the big hoof (Fig.4.3, #28) occurs in passages A11 and A17
(Table 4.1). One may wonder how many big hoofed animals are slaughtered per year. A11
appears to be at the start of a group of 6 passages, finishing at the end of a paragraph with
the ”King” (and the “falcon”, symbol of God), where the meat is brought to. The “horn” in
the last passage is part of what remains. It encodes 110,000 big hoofed animals (11, writ-
ten in 6 figures). A subsequent group of again 6 passages starts at A17, and finishes at A22
with the “King”, again. The “flute” in the last passage resembles a “bone”, which is part of
what remains. Next passage A23, again with the symbol of God, is often used for separa-
tion of series. It encodes the holy Tropic of Cancer, at 23°N (Refs.12-14). So, added up,
there are 110,000+170,000= c.280,000 big hoofed animals, such as cows, horses, and don-
keys, slaughtered per year. For the whole of Crete, this is c.2.0 big hoofed animals per per-
son per year. This type of cattle-breeding has been confirmed by excavations (Refs.7-11).

One may also wonder how many cattle-breeders there are. A11, with a messenger, forms a
series of 5 passages, because the last passage A15 contains two “corpses” or “hides”,
showing the animals are killed. The series finishes with the important combination of a
“shield, King”. A17 cannot form 5 passages, because the “messenger” in A21 is not
important enough. So, A11 and A17 form 5 and 4 passages, respectively, both finishing
with the important combination of a “shield, King”. As a consequence, added up, there are
11,000+1,700= c.12,700 of these cattle-breeders. On the average, each cattle-breeder
slaughters c.22 big hoofed animals per year.

Small hoofed animals
On the disc the symbol of the ram (#30) occurs in passage B4. One may wonder how
many small hoofed animals are slaughtered per year. B4 is at the start of a group of 6
passages, finishing with the symbol of "death" at the end of the paragraph, showing the
animals are killed. So, c.400,000 small hoofed animals (4, written in 6 figures), such as
pig, sheep, and goat are slaughtered per year. For the whole of Crete, this is c.2.9 small
hoofed animals per person per year. Remains of pig and sheep have been found in exca-
vations (Refs.7-11).

One may wonder how many cattle-breeders of small hoofed animals there are. B4 forms 4
passages, finishing with two symbols of the "cover", showing the animals are well taken
care of. The text of the last passage B7 reads: “Take care for a careful course of life (of the
animals)”. So, there are c.4,000 of these cattle-breeders (4, written in 4 figures). On the
average, each of these cattle-breeders slaughters c.100 small hoofed animals per year.

Poultry
On the disc the symbol of a pigeon (#32) occurs in passages A9, A20, and B15. One may
wonder how many tame fowls are consumed per year. Determination of the lengths of the
individual series is a bit more difficult in this case. Choices are influenced by the goal of a
rather round, total number. The pigeon of B15 is looking at the “square” (#18) of B6. So,
it is at the start of a series of 6 passages, finishing with the “King” at B20, at the end of the
paragraph, where the birds are handed in. A9 and A20 on the front side, both with a
pigeon, have a “shield, King”, and form both series of 5 passages, finishing with a “shield,
King” (at the end of the paragraph). So, added up, 90,000+20,000+150,000= c.260,000
slaughtered birds, such as chickens, geese, ducks, and doves, are consumed per year. For
the whole of Crete, this is c.1.9 fowls per person per year.

One may wonder how many people breed tame poultry professionally. A20 and B15 form
3 passages, finishing with the “King” and his "Palace", where the slaughtered birds are
handed in. In the first case passage A23, with the “falcon”, symbol of God, is used for
separation of the series. It encodes the holy Tropic of Cancer, again (Refs.12-14). A9
forms 2 passages, finishing with the "King" and “God” as a bird of prey, at the end of a
paragraph. So, added up, 200+150+90= c.440 people are working in this branch. On the
average each poultry-breeder slaughters c.591 birds per year.

Bee-culture
On the disc the symbol of a bee (#34) occurs in passages A28, B2, and B9. One may
wonder how many bee-hives with a swarm of bees there are. The bee in A28 is touched by
the “King” of the previous passage. It means, A28 is at the start of a series of 4 passages,
finishing with the “King” at the end of this side, where the honey is handed in. It encodes
2,800 bee-hives (28, written in 4 figures). The bee of B2 is looking at the “cover,
waterway” of B1. So, B2 forms 4 passages, finishing with the symbol of “religion”, but
B9 forms 3 passages, finishing at B11 with the “cover,waterway”, again. It encodes
2,000+900= 2,900 bee-hives, confirming the number. So, the maker of the disc is helping
us, again.

However, B2 and B9 can also form 3 and 1 passages, repectively, both finishing at the end
of the paragraph. Added up, there are a total of 2,800+200+9= c.3,009 bee-hives for the
honey production. We prefer this rather round number. This activity has been confirmed
by archaeologists (Refs.15-17,23). Passage A28 is situated on the edge, which is symbolic

for the outside world. So, about half of the production was probably exported, a.o. to
Egypt, where it was popular for embalming (Ref.9).

One may wonder how many people work with bees professionally. A28 forms 3 passages,
finishing with the "temple", which resembles a bee-hive, and where the honey is handed in
(280 bee-keepers). B2 forms 2 passages, finishing with the powerful “King” (20 bee-
keepers). So, in total there are 280+20= c.300 bee-keepers on Crete. Again, we prefer this
rather round number. On the average, each bee-keeper appears to have c.10 bee-hives.

Vineculture
On the disc the symbol of the vine-tendril (#36) occurs in passages B5, B10, B13, and
B20, all at the back side. One may wonder how many vine-tendrils there are for the
vineculture. B5 and B20 are at the start of groups of 5 passages, both finishing at the end
of a paragraph. The groups of B5 and B10 are consecutive, which is encouraging. Similar
groups of 5 passages from B10 and B13 finish with the "King" and his "Palace", where the
grapes and the vine are handed in. Added up, it turns out there are
50,000+20,000+-10,000+13,000 = c.93,000 vine-tendrils. Passage B20 is situated on the
edge. So, c.20,000 of these vine-tendrils are meant for the export. A part of the grapes
were probably dried to raisins (Ref.9).

One may wonder how many winegrowers there are. B13, B5, and B20 each form 2
passages, finishing with the "King" and his "temples", where the grapes and the vine is
brought to. B10 forms 1 passage at the end of the paragraph, only confirming the first
number (1). So, added up, there are 13+50+20+1= c.84 winefarmers on Crete. On the
average, each winefarmer has c.1,107 vine-tendrils. Vine-culture has been confirmed by
archaeologists (Refs.1,7-11).

Olive trees
On the disc the symbol of a branch with leaves (#35) occurs. It probably represents a kind
of tree. Another important sign is the shield (#12). It closely resembles a plate with olives.
On the front side there are to the tune of 15 of these plates. So, it appears, that on this side
the branch represents an olive tree. On the inner part the branch occurs in passages A3,
A5, and A15 (Table 4.1). The identical passages A3 and A15 also have “shields”. One
may wonder how many olive trees are used for interior use.

A3 is at the start of a series of 5 passages, finishing with the “shield” and the ”falcon”,
symbol of God. Note, that the branch has 5 leaves confirming the number of passages, and
note also, that the neighboring sign of the “papyrus” (#38) points to the end of this series.
A15 also forms a series of 5 passages, finishing at the end of the inner part. Finally, the
branch in A5 forms 4 passages, finishing with the Queen, a possible Head of State. The
branch of A3 points to this last passage. Added up, it appears that 30,000+5,000+15,000=
c.50,000 trees per year were used for the interior production of olives on Crete. It is a nice,
round number.

One may also wonder how many olive farmers there are. The paragraph-line of A5 points
to a "messenger", which indicates number of people. So, the symbol of the branch in A5
forms 2 passages to the next "messenger", finishing with the powerful “King”. The maker
of the disc helped us, again. A3 forms 2 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph.
Finally, A15 will also forms 2 passages, finishing at the end of a paragraph with a “shield”
and the “King”, where all the olives are delivered. Added up, it turns out that there are
30+50+15= c.95 olive farmers on Crete for the interior production (Ref.7-11). On the

average, each farmer has c.526 olive trees.

Olives for the export
On the edge of the front side the branch (#35) occurs in passages A22 and A23. The edge
is symbolic for the outside world, or the foreign countries. So, one may wonder how many
olive trees were used for the export. The branch in A23 is at the start of a series of 5
passages, finishing with a “shield” and a “King”, because the olives were collected for the
Head of State. Note, that the last passage-line points to the “horn” (#26) of neighboring
passage A16, also present in A23. It encodes 23,000 olive trees for the export (23, written
in 5 figures). A22 forms a series of 2 passages, finishing with the “horn, falcon”, symbol
of the power of God. It only corresponds to 22 olive trees (22, written in 2 figures). So,
each year the olives of a total of 23,000+23= 23,023 trees were exported abroad. This is
about one third of the total number of olive trees. It seems a lot, but when the disc was
made, Crete possessed more olive trees than nowadays. Note, that A23 also symbolizes the
holy Tropic of Cancer at the center of the Southern Egyptian Empire, at 23°N. It is the
center of the Sunreligion (Refs.12-20).

One may also wonder how many olive farmers possessed these trees for the export. A22
forms 2 passages, finishing with the “power of God”, in which one believes. A23 also
forms 2 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph with the “shield” and the “King”,
the Head of State. Added up, it turns out that 22+23= c.45 people were involved in these
activities. On the average, each farmer possessed c.512 olive trees for the export.

Domestic pets
On the front side the symbol of the cat (#29) occurs in passages 28, 28, and 29, all of these
on the edge, symbolic for the outside world. One may wonder how many homeless cats or
pets there are. The subject is unimportant, but rather difficult to treat. A29 is at the start of
a series of 4 passages, finishing at passage A19, which is at the end of the inner part. The
two cats of A28 are at the start of groups of 4 and 3 passages, respectively, finishing at the
ends of paragraphs, but also with the “King” and his “temple”, where the cat gets his food.
So, added up, there are 2,800+280+2,900= c.5,980 domestic animals, which wander
outside permanently. This is a rather round number.

On the back side the cat (#29) occurs in passages 2, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, and 18, all in the
inner part, symbolic for the situation at home. One may wonder how many cats or pets
there are who live at home. The lengths of all series involved cannot be determined. It
appears, the maker of the disc had something else in mind. The 3 cats on the edge of the
front side corresponded to c.6,000 homeless pets. So, the 8 cats in the inner part of the
back side now encode (8/3)x6,000= c.16,000 pets which live at home. It is a rather round
number, again. Passage B16 with a cat forms a series of 5 passages, finishing with the
powerful “King” at the end of a kind of paragraph, confirming it. Note, that the cat in A29
on the front side is looking at the neighboring passage A16 in the inner part. This passage
with the symbol of “God” confirms the number, too. It also forms a series of 5 passages,
finishing with the “King”. It means, that more than 10% of the population of Crete had a
pet. The number of 16,000 pets at home is more than 70% of the total number of c.22,000
pets.

Fig.4.3 Table of the signs of the Phaistos Disc

TABLE 4.1

THE SYMBOLS ON THE PHAISTOS DISC (Fig.4.3), AND THE CORRESPONDING
PASSAGES ON SIDES A AND B (c.1458 BC)
SYMBOLS PASSAGES ON SIDE A AND B (INNER PART / EDGE)
A (IP) A (E) B (IP) B (E)

1 Messenger 2,6,11,17 21,31 14,16 19,23,24
2 King 3,6,9,10,12,13, 20,22,24,27,30 3,14 20,28,30
15,16,18
3 Man 1,4
4 Prisoner 27

5 Child 28
6 Queen 8 24 3,15
7 Cover 21,26,29 1,3,4,5,6,7,7, 21,23,29,30
8,10,11,13
8 Glove 25 5,10,12,13
9 Tiara 4,14
10 Burin 1,4,12 18
11 Bow 19
12 Shield 3,6,7,9,10,13, 20,22,24,26,27, 26,30
15,16 30,31
13 Scroll of the law 2,6 31 12 23,24
14 Palace 9 17
15 Mattock 23
16 Saw 17 25
17 Lid 8 (24)
18 Square 8,9,12,18 24,31 4,6,8,17 23,25
19 Plane 5,8 22
20 Mummy 18 26
21 Grave 3,15
22 Religion 5,10 22,27,30
23 Hammer 5,12,14,18 20 2,3,6,9 25,28
24 Temple 30 6,18,18 21,26
25 Boat 12,18 2,9 19,22,27
26 Horn 7,10,13,16 23 20
27 Corpse 3,3,9,9,12,15, 25,26 9,14 19,27,29
15,18
28 Hoof 11,17
29 Cat 28,28,29 2,5,10,11,12,
13,16,18
30 Ram 4
31 Falcon 7,10,13,16 23
32 Dove 9 20 15
33 Fish 14 27 15,16 24,26
34 Bee 28 2,9
35 Branch 3,5,15 22,23 3,8,15,18 21,29
36 Vine-tendril 5,10,13 20
37 Papyrus 3,15 22,28
38 Flower 1,4 20 19
39 Arrow 19 4,15 24
40 Screen 21,27,30 20,21,30
41 Flute 21,22
42 Scraper 22
43 Grater 25
44 Chopper 25
45 Waterway 26,29 1,7,11 29

4.3 GOVERNMENT IN THE PALACES AND TEMPLES
The Head of State
On the edge at the back side the combination of "horn" (#26) and "King" (#2), symbols for

the power of the Head of State, occurs in passage B20 (Fig.4.2&4.3). In view of the
paragraph-line of B11, pointing to the end of the passage, B20 can be considered as the
end of a paragraph. So, only the first number (2) is confirmed. It means there are only 2
persons, who are able to possess this power, the King or the Queen (Refs.1-14).

Government: the officials
On the inner part of the back side the symbol of the “course of the law” (#45) occurs in
passages B1, B7, and B11 (Table 4.1). One may wonder how many officials there are on
Crete, because they have to prepare the changes of the laws. B7 will not form a series of 3
passages, because the resulting number becomes too low. Instead, B7 is at the start of 4
passages, finishing at the end of a paragraph with the symbol of "religion", in which one
believes. So, there are c.7,000 officials (7, written in 4 figures). B1 is at the start of the
group of 4 passages in the first paragraph. So, there are c.1,000 senior officials (1, written
in 4 figures). Finally, B11 forms 2 passages in the paragraph involved. So, there are c.11
ministers (11, written in 2 figures).

Politics: internal policy
On the inner part of the front side the combination of "horn" (#26) and "falcon" (#31),
symbols for the power of God, occur in passages 7, 10, 13, and 16 (Fig.4.1). The inner
part is symbolic for the interior of Crete. So, one may wonder how many people are
working for internal policy. A7 will not form 3 passages, because this leads to a number,
which becomes too high. Instead it forms 2 passages, finishing with the "Queen", a
possible Head of State. The other three combinations are at the start of consecutive groups
of 3 passages, all finishing with the "King", the usual Head of State. So, added up
70+100+130+160= c.460 people are working for internal policy.

Foreign policy
On the edge, which is symbolic for foreign countries, the mentioned combination of
symbols occurs in passage A23, corresponding with the holy Tropic of Cancer and the
Southern Egyptian Empire, at 23°N. This is the center of the Sun Religion (Refs.12-20).
So, one may wonder how many people are working in foreign policy. The combination is
at the start of a group of 2 passages, finishing with the "King", again, at the end of the
paragraph. So, c.23 people are working in this part of politics.

Intelligence service
On the edge at the back side is the draught-screen (#40), symbol of concealment, in
passages B20, B21, and B30. The text of the passages, related to the King, his temple and
the religion, gives a clue about its meaning (Ref.6). One may wonder how many people
are working for the intelligence service, clearly a minor institution. B30 could form 3
passages, but we think 300 men is too much for this service. So, we decided to make other
choices. B20 and B21 form groups of 3 and 2 passages, respectively, both finishing with
the symbol of "religion", in which one believes. B30 forms 1 passage, only confirming the
first number (3), and finishing with the "King" at the end of this side. So, added up, there
are 200+21+3= c.224 people working for this service. The symbol of the “draught-screen”
(#40) also occurs on the edge of the front side, but there it is related to a different subject,
which is garment factories (§4.5).

Administration
In the inner part of the front side the symbol of the papyrus (#37) occurs in important
passages A3 and A15. One may wonder how many people are working in administration
and archives, because in these institutions a lot of paper is used. A15 is at the start of a

group of 5 passages, finishing at the end of the inner part. A3 consists of 1 passage,
finishing with the "King", the Head of State. So, added up, there are 15,000+3= c.15,003
people working in these important services. This is a round number, again, which is
encouraging. It is almost 11% of the total population of Crete. Note, that the papyrus stalk
in passage A3 accurately points to the end of passage A7. So, the total number has to be
written down in 7-2= 5 figures. However, a series of 5 passages from A3 would result in a
number of 30,000 people, which is clearly too high. So, the maker of the disc is helping
us, again. The symbol of the “papyrus” (#37) also occurs on the edge of the back side, but
there it is related to the paper-industry (§4.5).

The judicature
On the edge at the front side, symbolic for the edge of society, the symbol of the course of
the law (#45) occurs in passages A26 and A29. One may wonder how many people work
for the judicature. The symbol of the “prisoner” is present in the neighboring passage A27.
The courts are involved with people from the outskirts of society. A26 and A29 are at the
start of consecutive groups of 3 passages, the first one finishing at the end of the
paragraph, the last one finishing at the end of the side with the "King", the Head of State.
So, added up, 260+290= c.550 people are working for the sake of justice. This is a rather
nice, round number.

Judges
On the edge at the back side the symbol of the course of the law (#45) occurs in passage
B29. One may wonder how many judges there are. B29 forms 2 passages, finishing at the
end of the side with the "King", the Head of State. So, there are c.29 judges (29, written in
2 figures).

Town police
In the inner part of the disc, symbolic for the towns, the symbol of the “scroll of the law”
(#13) occurs in passages A2, A6, and B12 (Ref.6). One may wonder how many police
officers there are inside the towns, because these officers are servants of the law. A6 is at
the start of a group of 3 passages, finishing with the "Queen", a possible Head of State. So,
there are c.600 police officers in the populated areas (6, written in 3 figures). A2 forms a
group of 3 passages till the end of the paragraph. So, there are c.200 police sergeants in
this department (2, written in 3 figures). B12 consists of 1 passage at the end of the
paragraph, so only the first number (1) is confirmed. So, there is 1 head of the town police.

Country side police
On the edges of the disc, symbolic for the country side, the symbol of the scroll of the law
(#13) occurs in passages A31, B23, and B24. One may wonder how much police there is
outside the towns. A31 is at the start of a group of 3 passages, finishing with the "King",
the Head of State. So, there are c.310 officers of police in the rural areas (31, written in 3
figures). B23 forms a group of 2 passages till the end of the paragraph. So, there are c.23
police sergeants in this department (23, written in 2 figures). B24 consists of 1 passage at
the end of the same paragraph, so only the first number (2) is confirmed. So, there are 2
heads of the country side police.

Prostitution
The front side of the Phaistos Disc contains 31 passages, encoding a first generation of 31
years, and the back side contains 30 passages, encoding a second generation of 30 years.
On the front side of the disc the symbol of a woman (#6) with naked breasts occurs in
passages A8 and A24. One may wonder how many prostitutes there were in the past, first

generation (side A). A8 forms 2 passages, finishing with the “King” at the end of the
paragraph. A24 is on the edge, because the phenomenon of prostitution was not common
in that time period. It may form 1 passage, but our choice is 2 passages, finishing with the
symbol for “death”, mainly because our aim is a round, total number. So, added up, the
number of prostitutes in the years 1519-1488 BC, more than 30 years ago, amounted to
24+80= c.104 women.

On the back side of the disc the woman occurs in passages B3 and B15. Note, that these
passage numbers are equal to the most important passage numbers on the front side. One
may wonder how many prostitutes there are in the present, second generation (side B).
Both symbols occur in the inner part, because the phenomenon of prostitution is important
during this time period. The symbols are at the start of groups of 4 passages, both at the
end of paragraphs finishing with "tempels", now brothels. So, added up, the number of
prostitutes in the years 1488-1458 BC amounts to 3,000+1,500= c.4,500 women. This is a
nice round number. It is 6.4% of the female population. (The average number of prostitu-
tes in the last two generatons is c.2,300.)

Prisoners
On the edge of the front side, symbolic for the edge of society, the symbol of the prisoner
(#4) occurs in passage A27. Prisoners belong to the outskirts of society. A27 is at the start
of a group of 4 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph with the "hidden temple",
the prison, where they are locked up. So, there are c.2,700 prisoners on Crete (27, written
in 4 figures). This is 1.9% of the population.

Defence
On the edge of the front side, symbolic for the coast of Crete, the symbol of the shield
(#12) occurs in passages 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 30, and 31. One may wonder how many
people are used to defend the island. The passages show, that also in time of peace, the
coasts of Crete are fully protected all around, and in a balanced way. Note, that the number
of passages (7) equals the number of dots in the shield. A20 forms 3 passages, finishing
with the “King”. A22 forms 3 passages, finishing with the “King” at the end of the
paragraph. A24 forms 3 passages, finishing with the symbol of “death”, because people
are willing to fight. A26 forms 2 passages, finishing with the “King”. A27 forms 2
passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph. A30 forms 2 passages, finishing at the end
of the side with the “King”. Finally, A31 forms 3 passages, finishing with the “King”, the
Head of State, in A20, where we started. So, added up 200+220+240+26+27+30+310=
c.1,053 people are working in the department of defence. This is a nice, round number,
again. The symbol of the shield (#12) also occurs on the inner part of the front side, but
there it is related to the bronze processing industry (§4.5). It also occurs on the edge of the
back side, but there it is related to the bronze production for the export (§4.5).

Weapon industry: bow and arrow
In the inner part of the front side, symbolic for the interior, the symbols of bow (#11) and
arrow (#39) occur in passage A19, which is also on the edge, symbolic for the sea. One
may wonder how many of these weapons, meant for coastal defence and at sea, are
produced per year. A19 is at the start of a group of 4 passages, finishing with the “shield”
and the “King”. So, c.1,900 bows and arrows are fabricated per year to protect the King
(19, written in 4 figures).

One may also wonder how many people are working for the production of these weapons.
A19 is also at the start of a group of 3 passages, finishing with the "messenger", indicating

number of people. So, c.190 people (19, written in 3 figures) are working for the produc-
tion. On the average, each man makes c.10 bows and arrows per year. Passage A19 is
situated on the edge. So, in case of war these people are used to attack the enemy.

Spears
On the inner part of the back side, symbolic for the interior, the symbol of the arrow (#39)
occurs in passages B4 and B15. One may wonder how many spears are made for the land-
forces. B4 is at the start of a group of 3 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph.
B15 produces a series of 4 passages, finishing at the end of the inner part. So, in total,
400+1,500= c.1,900 of these spears are made per year.

One may wonder how many people are making these spears. B15 and B4 are also at the
start of groups of 3 and 2 passages, respectively, finishing with the “Palace”, where the
spears are handed in, and with the symbol of “religion”. So, added up, another 150+40=
c.190 people are working for this type of weapon production. On the average, each man
makes c.10 spears per year. The symbol of the arrow (#39) also occurs on the edge of the
back side, but there it is related to the production of harpoons for the fishing (§4.5).

4.4 EDUCATION & RELIGION
Children
On the disc the symbol of a child (#5) occurs in passage B28. The symbol is on the edge,
because the position of the children is on the edge of society. One may wonder how many
children there are on Crete. B28 is at the start of a group of 5 passages, finishing at the end
of a kind of paragraph (because of the paragraph-line of B11), with the "King". So, there
are c.28,000 children on the island (28, written in 5 figures). These children form c.20% of
the population.- One may also wonder about the value of the birthrate. The passage itself
has a "King". So, it might be true, that on the average c.2.8 children are born from each
couple on Crete (Table 4.2).

Lower schools
On the disc the symbol of the temple (#24) occurs. The horizontal bar indicates, there are
two types of schools on Crete. One may wonder how many “lower schools” there are.
The temple in A30 on the front side points to the “square” above it, which is also the next
sign of the next passage. So, it encodes 30 schools. B6 on the back side is at the end of
the paragraph. So, the temple in this passage corresponds to 6 schools. B18 is even at the
end of the inner part. The first temple in the passage corresponds to 1 school, because the
second number (8) is not confirmed. The second temple touches the edge, so it appears to
be at the start of a series of 2 passages, finishing with the “corpse” in B19, symbolising
knowledge. It encodes 18 schools. The temples in B21 and B26 each form series of 2
passages, both finishing with the symbol of “religion”. These encode 21 and 26 schools,
respectively. Added up, there appears to be 30+6+1+18+21+26= 102 lower schools on
the island. It is a nice, round number.

Higher schools
On the disc the symbol of the palace (#14) occurs. One may wonder how many “higher
schools” there are. A9 on the front side has a palace. The “King” above it looks at this
sign. His head touches the paragraph-line, just like the “King” in A10. So, it encodes 90
schools. The palace in B17 on the back side forms a series of 2 passages, finishing at the
end of the inner part. It corresponds to 17 schools. So, in total there appears to be 90+17=
107 schools. However, this quantity clearly confirms the number of lower schools,
mentioned previously. It does not indicate the number of higher schools.

A9 on the front side finishes with a “corpse, shield, King”, just like A3 above it. So, it may
represent 9 higher schools. The palace in B17 on the back side still encodes 17 schools.
So, in total there are 9+17= 26 higher schools on Crete. This is a nice, round number,
again.

Pupils and students
On the inner part of the back side the symbol of the glove (#8) occurs in passages 5, 10,
12, and 13 (Table 4.1). This gauntlet indicates the number of pupils who receive education
(Refs.6,24). So, one may wonder how many pupils and students are learning at the schools
of the island. B5 forms 2 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph with a "temple",
which is now a kind of school. The paragraph-line of B10 points to a "messenger"
(indicating number of people), so B10 forms 5 passages finishing with another "messen-
ger", but also with the "King" in that passage, who is a learned man. B12 forms a series of
3 passages, finishing with the same "King", to indicate the hundreds. The paragraph-line
of B13 points to a "messenger" again, so B13 forms 4 passages, finishing with another
"messenger" in B16, with the text: “Give the Cat the Fish to eat.” This text symbolizes the
process of education. This series indicates the thousands. Note, that the maker of the disc
helped us twice. So, added up, 50+10,000+120+1,300= c.11,470 pupils and students are
studying at the schools of Crete. This is a nice, rather round number. It is c.8.2% of the
total population. The symbol of the glove (#8) also occurs on the edge of the front side,
but there it is related to the leather industry (§4.5).

Teachers
On the inner part of the front side the symbol of the lid (#17) occurs in passage A8. The
text shows the lid should be associated with good education (Refs.1,6). One may wonder
how many teachers are working in Crete, who received higher education. A8 cannot form
2 passages, because in that case the resulting number remains too low. Note also, that the
lid points to neighboring passage A3. So, A8 is at the start of a group of 3 passages,
finishing at the end of a paragraph with the "King", the central figure, and with “God”. So,
c.800 teachers are working in the schools on the island (8, written in 3 figures). It appears
that the symbol of the lid (#17) also occurred on the position of the injury in passage A24,
which is on the edge of the front side, but there it is related to the production of household
articles (§4.5).

Professors of the "inner-faculties of the university”
In the inner part of the front side the symbol of the corpse (#27) occurs in passages 3, 3, 9,
9, 12, 15, 15, en 18. This symbol should not always be associated with death, but also with
knowledge (Refs.6,24). One may wonder how many professors are working in an impor-
tant part of the “university”. For a small country like Crete, this number was very low, of
course. A3 forms 2 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph. A12 also forms 2
passages, finishing with the “King” and with “God”. A9 and A15 form 2 passages, too,
finishing at the end of paragraphs, also with the ”King” and with “God“. Finally, A18
forms a group of 2 passages, finishing at the end of the inner part. Added up,
30+30+90+90+12+15+15+18= c.300 professors are working in the “inner faculties” of the
so-called “university”. It is a nice, round number.

Professors of the "outer-faculties of the university”
On the edge of the front side the symbol of the corpse (#27) occurs in passages A25 and
A26. The text of A25 reads: “The glove chops until death”, and the text of A26 reads:
“Protect and take care for the course of the law till the end”. In view of the meaning of

these passages one may wonder how many professors are working in the science and law
faculties. Both symbols are at the start of groups of 2 passages again, the last one finishing
with the "King". So, added up, 25+26= c.51 people are teaching these subjects. It is a
round number, again. The total number of teachers and professors amounts to
800+300+51= c.1,151 men, a nice, round number. It is about 10% of the number of
students. Note, that the professors and teachers are indicated on the front side, and that the
pupils and students are indicated on the back side. The symbol of the corpse (#27) also
occurs on the back side, but there it is related to the production of clothing (§4.5).

Science and Philosophy
On the inner part of the back side the symbol of doubt (#22) occurs in passages B5 and
B10 (Ref.6). One may wonder how many learned people are working in the fields of
science and philosophy. B5 is at the start of a group of 2 passages, finishing at the end of
the paragraph with a "temple", now a kind of university. So, there are c.50 people,
possibly professors, working in this research institute (5, written in 2 figures). B10 consists
of 1 passage, so only the first number (1) is confirmed. So, there is 1 head of science and
philosophy.

Religion
On the edge of the back side the same symbol, but now of religion (#22), occurs in
passages B22, B27, and B30 (Refs.6,24). One may wonder how many people are working
in religious institutes. B22 is at the start of a group of 3 passages, finishing at the end of
the paragraph, and encoding c.220 ordinary associates in support of religion (22, written in
3 figures). B27 forms 2 passages, finishing with the "King", the undisputable Head of
State. So, c.27 people are working as local religious chiefs (27, written in 2 figures). B30
consists of 1 passage, so only the first number (3) is confirmed. So, there are 3 religious
leaders on the island of Crete. In total, there are 220+27+3= c.250 people working in
support of religion. The importance of religion in society has been confirmed by many
archaeologists (Refs.7-14).

4.5 BUSINESS
Meat industry
On the edge of the front side the symbol of the chopper (#44) occurs in passage A25
(Fig.4.1&4.3) (Ref.1). One may wonder how many people work in the meat industry. The
symbol is on the edge, because people are dependent on the cattle- and poultry-breeders,
discussed in §4.2. Their numbers are indicated by the symbols of the hoof (#28), the ram
(#30), and the pigeon (#32). A25 is at the start of a group of 4 passages, finishing at the
end of the paragraph, or with the “King” (using A27a/b), where the meat is handed in. So,
c.2,500 people (25, written in 4 figures) are working in the meat industry.

Fell preparation
On the edge at the back side is the symbol of the scraper (#42) in passage B22 (Fig.4.2).
One may wonder how many people are working for fell preparation. The symbol is on the
edge, because people are dependent on the meat industry, and on the cattle-breeders,
discussed in §4.2. B22 is at the start of a group of 3 passages, finishing with a “messenger”
at the end of the paragraph, indicating number of people. So, c.220 people (22, written in
3 figures) are working for fell preparation (Refs.1,9).

Garment factories
The symbol of the draught-screen (#40) on the edge of the back side is related to the
number of people working for the intelligence service of the government (§4.3). However,

on the edge of the front side the symbol of the draught-screen (#40) also occurs, in passa-
ges A21, A27, and A30. This is a different part of the disc, and the symbol has a different
meaning. One may wonder how many people are working in factories making draught-
screens, curtains, carpets, and hangings. The edge of the disc symbolizes the walls of a
room. Most of these clothes are placed near these walls, literally. A21 is at the start of a
group of 4 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph with the "King", for which it is
all meant. A27 forms a group of 3 passages, finishing at A29, with the text: ”Take care for
the course of life of the Cat-god”, or at the end of the paragraph, using A27a/b. The Cat-
god will feel at home with all these clothes. A30 forms a group of 2 passages, finishing
with the “King" at the end of this side. So, the first passage was for the thousands, the
second for the hundreds, and the third for the tens. So, added up, there are 2,100+270+30=
c.2,400 people working in this branch (Refs.7-11). It is a nice, round number.

Paper-industry
The symbol of the papyrus (#37) in the inner part of the front side is related to the number
of people working in administration and archives of the government (§4.3). However, on
the edge of the back side the symbol of the papyrus (#37) also occurs, in passages B22 and
B28. This is clearly another part of the disc. One may wonder how many people are wor-
king in the paper-industry. The symbol is on the edge, because this branch of industry is
considered to be less important than administration and archives. B22 and B28 are both at
the start of groups of 3 passages, both finishing at the end of paragraphs, the last one
finishing with the "King", at the end of this side. So, added up, there are 220+280= c.500
people working in this branch of industry. This is a round number, which is encouraging,
again.

Road-building
On the edge at the back side the symbol of the mattock (#15) or pick occurs in passage
B23. One may wonder how many people are working in the road-building. The symbol is
on the edge, because the work is mainly done outside the towns and villages. B23 cannot
form 5 passages till the end of the paragraph, because the number obtained is too high. So,
B23 is at the start of a group of 4 passages, finishing with the "temple", where the
workmen get their salaries. So, c.2,300 people (23, written in 4 figures) are working in the
road-building.

Bronze production
On the inner part of the front side, symbolic for the interior of Crete, the sign of the shield
(#12) occurs in passages 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 15, and 16. Probably, the shield is made of
bronze. So, one may wonder how many people are working in the bronze processing
industry, which has been proven by excavations (Refs.7-13). Our choices for a round total
number of reasonable magnitude are the following. A3 forms 1 passage, finishing with the
“King”. A6 forms 2 passages, finishing with the “falcon”, symbol of God. A7 forms 3
passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph with the “King”. A9 forms 2 passages,
finishing at the end of a paragraph with the “King”, and with “God”. A10 and A13 form
consecutive groups of 3 passages, both finishing at the end of a paragraph with the “King”,
the central figure on the Phaistos Disc. A15 forms 2 passages, finishing at the end of a
paragraph with the “King”, and with “God”. Finally, A16 forms a series of 4 passages,
finishing at the end of the inner part. So, added up there are 3+60+700+90+1-
00+130+15+1,600= c.2,698 people working for the production of bronze. This is a nice,
round number, indeed.

Export of Bronze
The symbol of the shield (#12) on the edge of the front side is related to the coastal
defence of the island of Crete (§4.3). However, on the edge of the back side, symbolic for
the coast around Crete, the symbol of the shield (#12) also occurs, in passages B26 and
B30. This is a competely different part of the disc. One may wonder how many people are
working in the bronze production for the export. B26 and B30 form groups of 2 and 3
passages, respectively, in which symbols of boats occur, the last one finishing with the
"King". Because of the paragraph-line of B11, this group also finishes at the end of a kind
of paragraph. So, added up, 26+300= c.326 people are producing bronze for the export.
Important trade partners are located in the west (B26), and in the south (B30, Egypt)
(Refs.21-23).

Harpoons
The symbol of the arrow (#39) in the inner part of the back side is related to the
production of spears for the land-forces (§4.3). However, on the edge of the back side,
symbolic for the sea, the sign of an arrow (#39) also occurs, in passage B24. One may
wonder how many harpoons are fabricated for the fishing. B24 is at the start of a group of
4 passages, starting with a “fish”, and finishing with the “boat”, which is used, and with
the symbol of “death”, because these weapens are meant for killing the prey. So, c.2,400
harpoons are made per year (24, written in 4 figures). It is a round number.

One may also wonder how many people are making these harpoons. B24 now forms a
group of 3 passages, ending with the "temple of the Fish-god", where the produced
harpoons are handed in. So, c.240 people (24, written in 3 figures) are working in this
branch of industry. On the average, each man makes c.10 harpoons per year.

Leather industry
The symbol of the glove (#8) in the inner part of the back side is related to the numbers of
teachers and pupils working in education (§4.4). However, on the edge of the front side
the glove (#8) also occurs, in passage A25. This is a completely different part of the disc.
The gauntlet is clearly made of leather. One may wonder how many people are working in
the leather industry. The symbol is placed on the edge, because this branch of industry is
considered to be less important than education. A25 is at the start of a series of 4 passages,
finishing at the end of the paragraph, or with the “King”, using A27a/b. So, c.2,500 people
are working in the leather industry (25, written in 4 figures). It is a nice, round number,
again.

Household articles
The symbol of the lid (#17) in the inner part of the front side is related to the number of
people working in higher education (§4.4). Due to an injury the first symbol of passage
A24 on the edge of the front side is not visible. However, probably the lid (#17) was also
projected here, because the symbol-sequence "lid, carpenters square, Queen" was
mentioned earlier in A8, and repetitions are a main feature of the disc. One may wonder
how many people are working in the production of household articles (Refs.1,6). The
symbol is on the edge, because this branch of industry is completely different from higher
education, and considered to be less important. A24 is at the start of a group of 4 passages,
finishing with the "King", where the products are handed in. So, c.2,400 people are
working in this branch (24, written in 4 figures). It is a round number, again.

Hides and clothing
The symbol of the corpse (#27) on the front side is related to the number of professors

working at the “university” (§4.4). However, in the inner part of the back side, symbolic
for the house, the sign of the corpse (#27) also occurs, in passages B9 and B14. This is
another part of the disc. Here, the symbol has nothing to do with death or knowledge, but
rather with production of hides and clothing. B9 forms a group of 2 passages, finishing at
the end of a paragraph with the symbol of “religion”, in which one believes. B14 forms a
series of 4 passages, finishing with the "Palace", where the produced clothing is delivered.
So, added up, 90+1,400= c.1,490 people are working in this branch. It is a round number,
again.

Export of hides and clothing
On the edge of the back side, symbolic for the outside world, the symbol of the corpse
(#27) occurs in passages B19, B27, and B29. Again, this symbol has nothing to do with
death or knowledge, but with production of hides and clothing for the export. B19 forms 4
passages, finishing with the "religion", in which one believes. B27 forms 3 passages,
finishing with an identical symbol (a corpse), and B29 forms 2 passages, finishing at the
end of the side with the “King”, the central figure in the country. The first passage
provides the thousands, the second one the hundreds, and the third one the tens. So, added
up, 1,900+270+29= c.2,199 people are working in this branch (Ref.9). This is a round
number, again.

Competitions and happenings
On the inner part of the back side the symbol of the tiara (#9) occurs in passages B4 and
B14 (Ref.1). One may wonder how many people are working professionally to organize
competitions and happenings. B4 is at the start of a group of 3 passages, finishing at the
end of the paragraph with the "temple", where the events are taking place. B14 forms a
group of 4 passages, finishing with the "Palace", where the crowning with the tiara usually
occurs. So, added up, 400+1,400= c.1,800 people are working in this branch. It is a round
number.

Art and engraving industry
On the inner part of the front side the burin (#10) occurs in passages 1, 4, 12, en 18. One
may wonder how many people are working in the art and engraving industry. A1 is clearly
at the start of a group of 3 passages, finishing with the "King", because the disc urgently
proclaims to engrave passage A3. A4 emphasizes it with another 3 passages, again
finishing with the “King”. Longer series from A1 and A4 would result in numbers, which
are too high. However, A12 is at the start of a group of 4 passages, finishing at the end of
a paragraph with A15 (equal to A3), having the "King", the main promotor of the art.
Finally, A18 forms 1 passage, only confirming the first number (1), again finishing with
the "King". So, added up, 100+400+1200+1= c.1,701 people are working in this part of
society, which is a round number, again (Refs.7-11).

Music instruments
On the disc the symbol of the flute (#41) occurs in passages A21 and A22. One may
wonder how many music instruments are made per year. A21 and A22 form groups of 4
and 3 passages, respectively, both finishing at the end of the paragraph with the "King",
where the instruments are handed in. So, added up, 2,100+220= c.2,320 music instruments
are made per year, which is c.44 per week. It appears, that the flute is placed on the edge,
because a lot of these instruments are transported abroad. It is also a marginal business.
Music as cultural activity has been confirmed by archaeologists (Refs.1,7-11).

One may wonder how many people are involved in making these music instruments. The

flute in A22 has been imprinted upside down. So, the maker of the disc is helping us,
again. Both A21 and A22 appear to form series of 2 passages, the first one finishing with
the “King”, the last one finishing with "the power of God", in whom one believes (22,
written in 2 figures). So, added up, c.43 people are working in this small branch of
industry. Each man makes c.1 music instrument per week.

Jewel industry
In the inner part of the front side the flower (#38) occurs in passages A1 and A4. One may
wonder how many people are working in the jewel industry. Many of these jewels were
bought by the authorities of the palaces and temples. A1 and A4 are at the start of
consecutive groups of 3 passages, both finishing with the "King". Longer series would
result in numbers, which are too high. So, added up, 100+400= c.500 people are working
for the design and fabrication of jewels. On the edge the flower occurs in passage A20,
also at the start of a group of 3 passages, finishing with the “King”. Passage A23, with the
symbols for the “power of God”, is used for separation, again. So, for the export another
c.200 people are working in this branch (20, written in 3 figures) (Refs.7-9). These are
nice, round numbers, again.

Flower trade
On the edge of the back side the flower (#38) occurs in passage B19. However, this is a
completely different part of the disc, so the symbol will point to another activity. One may
wonder how many people are working in the flower business, a marginal activity. B19 is
at the start of a group of 3 passages, finishing with the "temple", where the flowers are
handed in. So, c.190 people are working in the flower business (19, written in 3 figures).

4.6 HEALTH CARE
Primary care
On the inner part of the back side the symbol of the cover (#7) occurs in passages 1, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 13. One may wonder how many people are working in the
primary service and care (Ref.6). B1 forms 4 passages, B3 forms 2 passages, B4 forms 1
passage, B5 forms 2 passages, B6 forms 1 passage, all finishing at the end of a paragraph,
the last 2 also with the "temple". B7 forms 3 passages twice, B8 forms 2 passages, B10
forms 3 passages, B11 forms 2 passages, all of these finishing at the end of a paragraph,
and B13 forms 2 passages, finishing with the "King", the center of society. So, added up,
1,000+30+4+50+6+700+700+80+100+11+13= c.2,694 people are working in this kind of
service. This is a round number, again.

Individual health care
On the edge of the back side, symbolic for the sic people, the symbol of the cover (#7)
occurs in passages 21, 23, 29, and 30. One may wonder how many people are working as
doctor, therapeutist, and so on, for the treatment of the ill. B21 and B23 form 4 and 2
passages, respectively, both finishing at the end of the paragraph. B29 forms 2 passages,
finishing at the end of the side with the “King”. Finally, B30 appears to form 3 passages
(till the paragraph-line of B11), finishing at the end of a kind of paragraph with the
“King”, the Head of State. So, in total 2,100+23+29+300= c.2,452 people are working in
this section of health care.

Hospitals
On the edge of the front side, now symbolic for the very ill people, the symbol of the
cover (#7) occurs in passages A21, A26, and A29. One may wonder how many people are
working in the hospitals. A21 forms a series of 4 passages, finishing at the end of the

paragraph with the “King”. A26 forms 3 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph, or
with the “King”, using A27a/b. A29 forms 2 passages, finishing at the end of the
paragraph with the "temple", in this case representing a hospital. The first passage is for
the thousands, the second one for the hundreds, and the third one for the tens. So,
2,100+260+29= c.2,389 people are working in the hospitals. In total, 2,694+2,452+2,389=
c.7,535 people are working for social health care. This is a rather round number. It is 5.4%
of the total population of Crete.

4.7 FUNERALS
Important graves
On the inner part of the front side the symbol of the King’s grave (#21) occurs in passages
A3 and A15. One may wonder how many people are working around the important graves
of the island (Ref.1). A3 forms 2 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph. A15 also
forms 2 passages, finishing at the end of a paragraph with the “King” and with “God”. So,
added up, 30+15= c.45 people are working around these important graves.

Funeral services
On the inner part of the back side the symbol of the mummy (#20) occurs in passage B18.
One may wonder how many people are working at the funeral services. B18 is at the start
of a group of 3 passages (till the paragraph-line of B11), finishing at the end of a kind of
paragraph with the "King". So, c.180 people are working at the funeral services (18,
written in 3 figures).

Grave maintenance
On the edge of the back side the symbol of the mummy (#20) occurs in passage B26. This
is another part of the disc. One may wonder how many people are working for the
maintenance of the graves, which has a lower status then the funeral services. B26 is at the
start of a group of 2 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph with the symbol of
"religion", in which one believes. So, c.26 people are working for the maintenance of the
graves at the cemeteries (26, written in 2 figures). In total, 45+180+26= c.251 people are
working for the care of the dead, a rather round number, again.

4.8 WOODWORKING INDUSTRY
Timberfelling for interior use
The woodworking industry is one of the most difficult subjects. On the disc the symbol of
a branch with leaves (#35) occurs. On the front side the symbol was related to the yearly
production of olives, but the back side of the disc tells a completely different story. From
eight other symbols on the disc it turns out that woodworking was important on Crete
(Refs.6,24).

On the inner part of the back side the branch (#35) occurs in passages 3, 8, 15, and 18.
One may wonder how many trees are hacked down on Crete for interior use. B3 and B15
each form 4 passages, both finishing at the end of the paragraph with the wooden
"temples", where the stems are delivered. Apparently, the wood of this type of tree is
suitable for building constructions. Probably, it is hard wood of the cypresse tree
(Refs.23,24). B8 may also form 4 passages. The series finishes at B11, with the text:
“Take care for the life of the Cat-god”. The text of B8 at the start of the series was: “The
wood leads to this care”. The paragraph-line of B11 points to the end of B20. So,
probably, B18 forms 3 passages, finishing at the end of a kind of paragraph with the
"King", the central figure of society. Added up, it turns out that 3,000+8,000+1,500+180=
c.12,680 trees of this type are cut per year for the interior.

One may wonder, how many people are cutting these trees. We shall try to obtain a round
number of reasonable magnitude. B3 consists of 1 passage with the "King". B8 and B18
each form 2 passages, both finishing with the “boat” and the symbol of "death", because
these trees are cut for making these ships. B15 forms 3 passages, finishing with the
"Palace", where the stems are delivered. Added up, it turns out that 3+80+18+150= c.251
people are cutting these trees for interior use, which is a nice, round number. On the
average, each man hacks about 51 trees per year. Cypresse trees are probably intended. At
the end of the Palace Culture, the hard wood of this kind of tree was very popular for
construction purposes (Ref.7).

Timberfelling for the export
On the edge of the back side the branch (#35) occurs in passages B21 and B29. One may
wonder how many trees, probably cypresse, are cut and shipped abroad. B21 forms a
series of 4 passages till the end of the paragraph. Probably, B29 forms 3 passages,
finishing with the symbol of "death" and the "boat", because trees are hacked down, and
transported overseas. Added up, it turns out that 2,100+290= c.2,390 trees of this type are
cut and exported per year, a rather round number. It is about 16% of the total number of
trees, which are hacked down.

Again, one may wonder how many people are hacking down these trees and exporting the
logs. B21 forms 2 passages, finishing with the symbol of “religion”, in which one believes.
B29 also forms 2 passages, finishing at the end of the side with the “King”. These short
series contain the symbols of the “boat” and the “waterway”, because the stems are
exported with sailing ships. Added up, it turns out that 21+29= c.50 people are cutting
these trees for the export. On the average, each man hacks about 48 trees per year.

Centers for sawing wood
On the back side the symbol of the saw (#16) occurs in passages B17 and B25. One may
wonder how many people are working in centers for sawing wood. B17 forms 3 passages,
finishing with the symbol of "death", because hacked wood is sawed to construct
“palaces”, "temples", and "boats", which are shown in this series. So, c.170 people are
working for the interior supply of sawed wood (17, written in 3 figures). On the edge B25
forms 3 passages, too, finishing at the end of the paragraph with the symbol of “religion”,
in which one believes. In this series similar symbols are shown. So, c.250 people are
working in wood saweries for the export (25, written in 3 figures). It is a nice, round
number.

Centers for planing wood
On the front side the symbol of the plane (#19) occurs in passages A5, A8, and A22
(Ref.1). So, one may wonder how many people are working in centers for planing wood.
A5 and A8 each form 2 passages, both finishing with the "King". So, 50+80= c.130 people
are working for the interior production. On the edge A22 forms 3 passages, finishing at the
end of the paragraph, also with the "King". So, c.220 people are working in these centers
for the export (22, written in 3 figures).

Centers for polishing wood
On the edge of the back side the symbol of the triangular rasp or grater (#43) occurs in
passage B25 (Ref.1). One may wonder how many people are trying to polish the wood.
B25 forms a group of 3 passages, finishing at the end of the paragraph with the symbol of
"religion", in which one believes. The text indicates that “hammer”, “saw” and “wooden

temple” are made this way, and the “boat” on the edge suggests, that part of the products
are shipped abroad. So, c.250 people are trying to graze and polish wood (25, written in 3
figures). It turns out that in total (170+250)+(130+220)+250= c.1,020 people are working
in the wood-treatment. This is a nice, round number, again.

Designing palaces, temples, and schools
On the inner part of the front side, symbolic for the interior of Crete, the symbol of the
carpenter's square (#18) occurs in passages 8, 9, 12, and 18. One may wonder how many
people are working in the design of constructions for palaces, temples, schools, etc. The
symbols form 2 passages, all, except the last one, finishing with the "King", the Head of
State. The last series finishes with A19 at the end of the inner part. So, added up,
80+90+12+18= c.200 people are trying to make these designs.

On the inner part of the back side, symbolic for the interior, the symbol of the carpenter's
square (#18) occurs in passages 4, 6, 8, and 17. Again, one may wonder how many people
are working for the design of constructions for palaces, temples, schools, etc. B4 and B6
each form 1 passage, both at the end of the paragraph, the last one with the “temple”,
which has to be designed. B8 and B17 each form 2 passages, both finishing at the end of
the paragraph, the first one with the symbol of “death”, and the last one with “temples”,
because sawed wood is used in their construction. So, added up, 4+6+80+17= c.107
people are working in these competitive firms. In total, 200+107= c.307 people are design-
ing palaces, temples, and schools. This is a rather round number.

Designing ships
On the edge of the front side, which may be symbolic for the coast of Crete, the sign of the
carpenter's square (#18) occurs in passages A24 and A31. A24 forms 1 passage, finishing
with the “King”, the Head of State. It encodes 2 men, because only the first number (2) is
confirmed. A31 forms 2 passages, finishing with A19 at the end of the inner part. So,
added up, 2+31= c.33 people are trying to make designs for ships.

On the edge of the back side, symbolic for the sea, the sign of the square (#18) occurs in
passages B23 and B25. Both form 2 passages, the first one finishing at the end of the
paragraph, the last one finishing with the "temple", where the designs are handed in. So,
added up, 23+25= c.58 people are working in these competitive firms. If the passages are
counted along the edge (E), as we did before with the fleet, the square (#18) occurs in E5
and E7. It shows, that c.57 people are working for designing the fleet, confirming the
number. In total, 33+58= c.91 men are working for designing constructions of ships.

Building palaces, temples, and schools
This is a difficult subject, again. On the inner part of the front side, probably symbolic for
the interior, the sign of the hammer (#23) occurs in passages 5, 12, 14, and 18. One may
wonder how many people are working to build palaces, temples, schools, etc. We shall try
to obtain a round number of reasonable magnitude. We made the following choices. A5
forms 2 passages, finishing with the “King”. A12 and A14 form 4 and 3 passages,
respectively, finishing at the end of a paragraph with the “King”. Finally, A18 forms 2
passages, finishing at the end of the inner side. So, added up, 50+1,200+140+18= c.1,408
people are working in this branch.

On the inner part of the back side, probably symbolic for the interior, the sign of the
hammer (#23) occurs in passages 2, 3, 6, and 9. Again, one may wonder how many people
are working to build palaces, temples, schools, etc., besides the number of men indicated

on the front side. Again, the groups of passages have to be chosen in a careful way. The
choices have to be logic and harmonic. B2 forms 3 passages, finishing at the end of the
paragraph. B3 forms 1 passage with the “King”. B6 does not form 4 passages, because the
resulting number becomes too high. So, B6 forms 3 passages, finishing with B8. The text
of it reads: “The wood leads to this care”. The hammer of B3 accurately points to the end
of this passage. So, the maker of the disc is helping us, again. Finally, B9 forms a
subsequent series of 2 passages, finishing at the end of a paragraph with the sign of
“religion”, in which one believes. So, added up, 200+3+600+90= c.893 people are
working in this competitive branch. In total, 1,408+893= c.2,301 laborours are building
palaces, temples, and schools.

Ship building
On the edge of the front side, probably symbolic for the coast, the sign of the hammer
(#23) occurs in passage A20. One may wonder how many people are working in ship
building and related activities. We will choose for short series, because we have already a
contribution of c.6,000 people working for this goal (see §4.1). So, A20 forms 1 passage,
finishing with the "King", who owns many ships. It encodes c.2 men, because only the
first figure (2) is confirmed.- [There is also an alternative possibility. In that case A20
forms 3 passages, again finishing with the “King”, who owns many ships. Now it encodes
c.200 men (20, written in 3 figures).] •

On the edge of the back side, symbolic for the sea, the sign of the hammer (#23) occurs in
passages B25 and B28. Again, one may wonder how many people are working in ship
building, etc. We have to choose the groups of passages in a careful manner. B25 forms 2
passages, finishing at the “temple”, where people get their salaries. It encodes c.25 men
(25, written in 2 figures).- [There is also an alternative possibility. In that case B25 forms
3 passages, finishing with the sign of “religion” at the end of the paragraph. Now it
encodes c.250 men (25, written in 3 figures).] •

B28 forms a group of 3 passages, finishing at the end of the side with the “King”, the
Head of State. So, added up, 25+280= c.305 people are working in this competitive
business. In total, 2+305= c.307 labourers are working to build ships (Ref.24).- [In the
alternative case, 250+280= c.530 people are encoded on this side, and a total number of
200+530= c.730 labourers are working to build ships.] •

4.9 DISCUSSION
Table 4.2 provides an overview of all the information encoded on the Phaistos Disc related
to daily life on Crete at the end of the New Palace Culture, c.1458 BC. In seven cases the
numbers of different objects are given (ships, lower and higher schools, bee-hives, vine-
tendrils, olive trees, and pets or cats). The yearly production of 14 different kinds of goods
are shown, 3 of these for the export (grapes or wine, olives, and wood), all expressed in
natural units per year. For 17 functions of the government, 8 functions in education &
religion, 3 in health care, 3 around funerals, and 7 functions in other areas, the numbers of
people (men and women) are given, who are working in these jobs. For 28 different kinds
of goods, and 7 of these for the export, the numbers of people are provided, who produce
these items.

We should realize, that all numbers of people calculated in this Chapter, relate to both men
and women. This means, that the numbers of people, who are really working in the
mentioned areas, are probably about half of these listed in Table 4.2. The majority of the
women probably stayed at home. The numbers of prisoners and prostitutes are also given.

Finally, the number of children on Crete are shown. The total number of people calculated
from Table 4.2 amounts to c.140,122 (or maybe as high as c.140,545). In previous Chapter
3 the disc indicated a total number of inhabitants on Crete of c.140,000 (or maybe as high
as c.141,000). So, as far as the total number of people is concerned, the list is quite
accurate. (Refs.25-27)

TABLE 4.2

DATA ABOUT DAILY LIFE ON CRETE, c.1458 BC,
ACCORDING TO THE PHAISTOS DISC *

§4.1 SHIPS
c.30 seaworthy ships produced/year, A/B.(IP), #25
c.6,000 employees assembling ships, A/B.(IP), #1,#25
c.149 seaworthy ships, Fleet of Crete, B(E), #25
c.7,400 people working on ships, B(E), #1,#25
c.13,400 = Total Number of people

§4.2 FISHERY, CATTLE-BREEDING, AND AGRICULTURE
c.450,000 fresh water fishes caught/year, A/B.(IP), #33
c.45 professional fresh water fishers, A/B.(IP), #33
c.2,700,000 seafishes caught/year, A/B.(E), #33
c.400 professional seafishers, A/B.(E), #33
c.280,000 big hoofed animals slaughtered/year, A(IP), #28
c.12,700 cattle-breeders of big hoofed animals, A(IP), #28
c.400,000 small hoofed animals slaughtered/year, B(IP), #30
c.4,000 cattle-breeders of small hoofed animals, B(IP), #30
c.260,000 poultry slaughtered/year, A+B, #32
c.440 poultry-breeders, A+B, #32
c.3,009 bee-hives, A+B, #34
c.300 bee-keepers, A+B, #34
c.73,000 vine-tendrils for interior use, B(IP), #36
c.20,000 vine-tendrils for export, B(E), #36
c.84 wine-farmers, B, #36
c.50,000 olive trees for interior use, A(IP), #35,#12
c.95 olive farmers, interior use, A(IP), #35,#12
c.23,023 olive trees for export, A(E), #35,#12
c.45 olive farmers, export, A(E), #35,#12
c.5,980 homeless pets (cats), A(E), #29
c.16,000 pets (cats), B(IP), #29

§4.3 GOVERNMENT IN THE PALACES AND TEMPLES
2 Heads of State: King or Queen, B(E), #26, #2
c.11 ministers, B(IP), #45
c.1,000 senior officers, B(IP), #45
c.7,000 officers, B(IP), #45
c.460 co-workers of internal policy, A(IP), #26, #31
c.23 co-workers of foreign policy, A(E), #26, #31
c.224 co-workers of intelligence service, B(E), #40

c.15,003 co-workers of administration, A(IP), #37
c.550 co-workers of judicature, A(E), #45
c.29 judges, B(E), #45
1 urban head of police, B(IP), #13
c.200 urban police sergeants, A(IP), #13
c.600 urban police officers, A(IP), #13
2 rural heads of police, B(E), #13
c.23 rural police sergeants, B(E), #13
c.310 rural police officers , A(E), #13
c.4,500 prostitutes, B(IP), #6
c.2,700 prisoners, A(E), #4
c.1,053 co-workers of defence, A(E), #12
c.1,900 bows and arrows produced/year, A(E), #11, #39
c.190 employees of production bows and arrows, A(E), #11, #39
c.1,900 spears produced/year, B(IP), #39
c.190 employees of production spears, B(IP), #39

§4.4 EDUCATION & RELIGION
c.28,000 children, B(E), #5
c.2.8 children/couple, B(E), #5
c.102 lower schools, A+B, #24
c.26 higher schools, A+B.(IP), #14
c.11,470 pupils and students, B(IP), #8
c.800 teachers, A(IP), #17
c.300 professors of "inner-faculties", A(IP), #27
c.51 professors of science and law, A(E), #27
1 head of science and philosophy, B(IP), #22
c.50 co-workers of science and philosophy, B(IP), #22
3 national religious leaders, B(E), #22
c.27 local religious leaders, B(E), #22
c.220 co-workers of religious services, B(E), #22

§4.5 BUSINESS
c.2,500 employees of meat industry, A(E), #44
c.220 employees for skin-preparation, B(E), #42
c.2,400 employees of garment factories, A(E), #40
c.500 employees of paper industry, B(E), #37
c.2,300 employees of road building, B(E), #15
c.2,698 employees of bronze production, A(IP), #12
c.326 employees of bronze production for export, B(E), #12
c.2,400 harpoons produced/year, B(E), #39
c.240 employees of production harpoons, B(E), #39
c.2,500 employees of leather industry, A(E), #8
c.2,400 employees of production household articles, A(E), #17
c.1,490 employees of production of hides and clothing, B(IP), #27
c.2,199 employees of production of hides and clothing for export, B(E), #27
c.1,800 co-workers competitions and happenings, B(IP), #9
c.1,701 co-workers of art and engraving industry, A(IP), #10
c.2,320 music instruments produced/year, A(E), #41

c.43 employees of production music instruments, A(E), #41
c.500 employees of jewel industry for interior use, A(IP), #38
c.200 employees of jewel industry for export, A(E), #38
c.190 employees of flower trade, B(E), #38

§4.6 HEALTH CARE
c.2,694 co-workers of primary services, B(IP), #7
c.2,452 individual health care (doctors, therapeutists), B(E), #7
c.2,389 co-workers of hospitals, A(E), #7

§4.7 FUNERALS
c.45 co-workers of important graves, A(IP), #21
c.180 co-workers of funeral services, B(IP), #20
c.26 co-workers of grave maintenance, B(E), #20
c.251 = Total Number of people

§4.8 WOODWORKING INDUSTRY
c.12,680 trees (cypresse) cut for interior/year, B(IP), #35
c.251 woodcutters, for interior, B(IP), #35
c.2,390 trees cut for export/year, B(E), #35
c.50 woodcutters, for export, B(E), #35
c.170 co-workers of sawing wood for interior use, B(IP), #16
c.250 co-workers of sawing wood for export, B(E), #16
c.130 co-workers of planing wood for interior use, A(IP), #19
c.220 co-workers of planing wood for export, A(E), #19
c.250 co-workers of polishing wood, B(E), #43
c.307 projectors of palaces, temples, schools, A+B.(IP), #18
c.91 projectors of ships, A+B.(E), #18
c.2,301 builders of palaces, temples, schools, A+B.(IP), #23
c.307 builders of ships, A+B.(E), #23
[c.730 builders of ships, A+B.(E), #23] •
[c.4,750 = Total Number of people] •

UNITS OF TIME
2 sides, or 2 generations
1 side, or 1 generation
61 passages, or 61 years (2 generations)
30/31 passages, or 30/31 years (1 generation)
1 passage, or 1 year

POPULATION OF CRETE
c.140,122 inhabitants of Crete according to this table
[c.140,545 inhabitants of Crete according to this table] •
c.140,000 inhabitants of Crete according to the disc (Ch.3)
[c.141,000 inhabitants of Crete according to the disc (Ch.3)] •

# number of corresponding symbol (see Table 4.1)
* all numbers relate to both men and women

• high, alternative value

LITERATURE (Ch.4)
1. Godart, L., The Phaistos Disc, The Enigma of an Aegean Script, Editions Itanos, 1995 (ISBN
960-7549-02-3).
2. Duhoux, Y., Le disque de Phaistos, Louvain-le-Neuve 1978. (French)
3. Miller, J., Ancient American, The Phaistos Disk, March/April 1994, p.37.
4. Grimes, J.P., Ancient American, Vol.2, Nr.12, p.35.
5. Covey, C., Fischer vs. Fell Phaistos Disk Decipherments, Midw. Epigr. Newsl., Vol.19, Nr.4 (2002).
6. Bayley, H., The Lost Language of Symbolism, Citadel Press 1990 reprint (ISBN 0-8065-1100-1).
7. Willetts, R.F., The Civilization of Ancient Crete, Phoenix Press, New York (1976) (ISBN
1-84212-746-2).
8. Mohen, J.-P., and Eluère, C., The Bronze Age in Europe. Gods, Hero’s and Treasures, Thames and Hud-
son, 2000 (ISBN 0-500-30101-8).
9. Herberger, C.F., The Minoan Cultural Response: the Feminine Emphasis, Midwestern Epigraphic
Jour-nal, Vol.18/9, pgs. 47-55, 2004-5 (ISSN 1932-5703).
10. Old World Civilizations, The Rise of Cities and States, The Illustrated History of Humankind, Weldon
Owen Pty Limited, McMahons Point, Australia (1995).
11. Zwart, A.H. e.a., De Oude Grieken, 7000 Jaar Wereldgeschiedenis, Lekturama, Rotterdam, 1977.
(Dutch)
12. De Jonge, R.M., and Wakefield, J.S, How the Sungod Reached America, A Guide to Megalithic Sites,
MCS Inc., 2002 (ISBN 0-917054-19-9). Available: MCS Inc., Box 3392, Kirkland, Wa 98083-33-92,
also on CD.
13. De Jonge, R.M., and Wakefield, J.S, Website: www.howthesungod.com.
14. De Jonge, R.M., and IJzereef, G.F., De Stenen Spreken, Kosmos Z&K, Utrecht/ Antwerpen, 1996
(ISBN 90-215-2846-0). (Dutch)
15. Siliotti, A., Egypt, Temples, People and Gods, Bergamo, Italy, 1997.
16. Kemp, B.J., Ancient Egypt, Anatomy of a Civilization, London, Routledge, 1991.
17. Wallis Budge, E.A., Osiris and the Egyptian Resurrec tion, 2 Vol., Dover Pub., N.Y., 1973 (ISBN
0-486-22780-4).
18. Tompkins, P., Secrets of the Great Pyramid, Harper & Row, London, 1971 (ISBN 0-06-090631-6) (Dr.
Stecchini).
19. Hart, G., A Dictionary of Egyptian Gods and Goddes ses, Routledge, London, 1986 (ISBN 0-7102-0167
-2).
20. Breasted, J.H., Ancient Records of Egypt, Vol.2: The Eighteenth Dynasty, London, 1988.
21. Casson, L., Ships and Seafaring in Ancient Times, British Museum Press, 1994 (ISBN 0-525-47545-1).
22. Wachsmann, S., Seagoing Ships and Seamanship in the Bronze Age, Levant, College Station, Texas,
1998.
23. Heyerdahl, T., The Ra Expeditions, George Allen & Unwin, London, 1971.
24. Cirlot, J.E., A Dictionary of Symbols, Ed. Routledge, 1971 (ISBN 0-8022-2083-5).
25. De Jonge, R.M., Website: www.slideshare.net/rmdejonge
26. De Jonge, R.M., Minoan Pendant (Cleveland, Ohio, c.1690 BC), Ref.19.
27. De Jonge, R.M., The Phaistos Disc Decoded, Website: www.slideshare.net/drsrmdejonge

CH.4: DAILY LIFE ON CRETE

Recomendados

Recomendados

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Destaque

Destaque (7)

Semelhante a CH.4: DAILY LIFE ON CRETE

Semelhante a CH.4: DAILY LIFE ON CRETE (7)

Mais de PHAISTOS DISC

Mais de PHAISTOS DISC (13)

Último

Último (20)

CH.4: DAILY LIFE ON CRETE