La etimología de σμάραγδος: una nueva propuesta a la luz del micéni

Juan Piquero Kadmos 54.1-2 (2015): 39-53

The etymology of σμάραγδος is traditionally related to the Semitic root *brq, ʻto shineʼ. However, this article sets out the idea that this etymology comes from a Semitic word related to the root *wrq, ʻto be greenʼ, which is, in turn, related to myc. pa-ra-ku-we and its derivatives. This new etymology is based on the analysis of the syllabogram *56, which may probably have a value as /ba/ or /^mba/ in Linear A as well as in Linear B. The Mycenaean scribes note the syllabogram *56 also with the graphic variants pa and ma. This fluctuation also appears in the alphabetic Greek bases *μαρακ- and *βαρακ- which are related to colour green realities.