From Rosetta to Linear B: An Evidence-First Falsifiability Framework for Ancient Script Claims

The working-paper packet brings together a historical argument, a claim-level method, and a practical sheet for strengthening how ancient-script claims are prepared for testing and review. The central argument is that the scientific method remains the proper foundation for inquiry, but in fields such as archaeology and ancient script studies, hypotheses often need more structure before they can be responsibly tested. A hypothesis may contain several smaller claims, hidden assumptions, unclear evidence, or a scope too broad for meaningful review. This release proposes a claim-level falsifiability layer inserted between hypothesis formation and testing so that each claim becomes clear, evidence-bound, reviewable, and open to revision before larger interpretations are accepted.

Part I applies this problem to ancient-script interpretation through the contrasting examples of the Rosetta Stone and Linear B. Champollion benefited from a rare external anchor that allowed Egyptian hieroglyphic claims to be checked against Greek and Demotic evidence. Ventris, working without a true Rosetta Stone for Linear B, relied on internal pattern analysis, sign classification, place-name testing, correction, and disciplined revision. Together, these cases show that progress in ancient script interpretation depends not only on insight, but on smaller claims that can be tested against evidence.

Part II presents the V4 Claim-Level Falsifiability Layer as a reusable method. Each claim must identify its evidence, assumptions, orientation logic, glyph or sign basis, confidence level, reviewer response, and version history. The included Falsifiability Sheet functions as a claim-file cover page for recording artifact metadata, ORI/OVR choices, evidence types, component confidence, reviewer notes, and revision status.

This release does not claim to decipher an ancient script. It offers a practical method for making script-related claims more transparent, bounded, testable, reviewable, and open to correction, especially where direct experiment is limited and claims must be evaluated through evidence, comparison, peer review, and revision.

This Zenodo record includes three materials:

A combined working-paper packet presenting the historical argument and V4 method;
2. A standalone Falsifiability Sheet template in PDF form;
3. A standalone image version of the V4 Falsifiability Sheet for easy viewing and sharing.

The related V5 release is linked under Related Works below.