Michael Ventris Niemann: The Man Who Unlocked the Secrets of the Ancient World - And Lost His Mind in the Process

Michael Ventris Niemann was a British architect with a passion for ancient languages. In the 1950s, he became obsessed with deciphering the Linear B script, a mysterious writing system used by the Minoans, an ancient civilization that flourished on the island of Crete.
Niemann spent years poring over tablets covered in the strange symbols, working tirelessly to crack the code. He finally made a breakthrough in 1952, when he realized that Linear B was a syllabic script, not an alphabetic one. This discovery opened the door to understanding the Minoan language, and Niemann became a world-renowned expert on the subject.
But Niemann's obsession with Linear B came at a price. He became increasingly withdrawn and eccentric, spending all his time studying the tablets and neglecting his family and friends. His wife, Audrey, worried that he was losing his mind.
And she was right. In 1956, Niemann was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He was admitted to a mental hospital, where he spent the rest of his life.
Niemann's story is a tragic one, but it is also a testament to the power of human curiosity. He was a brilliant scholar who made a major contribution to our understanding of the ancient world. But his obsession with Linear B ultimately consumed him.
Here are some of the things that Michael Ventris Niemann said and did during his life:

"Linear B is the key to understanding the Minoan civilization."
"I will not rest until I have deciphered this script."
"I am losing my mind, but I will not give up."

Michael Ventris Niemann was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a brilliant scholar, a devoted husband and father, and a man who was ultimately consumed by his own obsession. His story is a reminder that even the most brilliant minds can be fragile, and that the pursuit of knowledge can come at a great cost.
Reflection:
Michael Ventris Niemann's story is a tragic one, but it is also a reminder of the power of human curiosity. He was a brilliant scholar who made a major contribution to our understanding of the ancient world. But his obsession with Linear B ultimately consumed him.
We can all learn from Niemann's story. We should all be curious about the world around us, and we should all pursue our passions. But we should also be careful not to let our passions consume us. We should all remember that there is more to life than work.
We should all take time to enjoy our families and friends, and we should all make time for ourselves. We should all remember that life is short, and that we should all make the most of it.