This paper aims to explore the potential of Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) as applied to signs and marks engraved on hard materials, with particular focus on the writing systems of the Bronze Age Aegean (2nd millennium BC). These (para-)writing forms (the Arkhanes script, Cretan Hieroglyphic, the Phaistos Disc script, Linear A, Linear B, and Masons’ Marks) share the common feature of being incised onto hard surfaces, mainly clay and both hard and soft stones.

The computational photographic technique of RTI is particularly effective in the study of these documents for several reasons. It not only reveals details of the engraving techniques and tools used, but also facilitates close examination of the shape, orientation, and sequence of the incised strokes that make up the writing signs. Such analyses, along with other insights enabled by RTI, allow for a reconstruction of the ‘writing’ process, in terms of both materiality and human agency.

This paper focuses on Linear B evidence from the sites of Knossos and Mycenae. It presents selected results achieved by The pa-i-to Epigraphic Projects and outlines prospective directions for future research.