Minoan Culture

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Minoan Culture
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Minoan culture was found on the island of Crete.
The main settlements are along the coastline.
The island is 167 miles long and 85 miles wide at
its greatest Width. Running through its center
are three mountains. In Greek myth the mother of
Zeus hid him from his father in these mountains.
The myth goes that the father of Zeus, Kronos
was told a prophecy that one of his children
would overthrow him, so whenever a child was
born Kronos would take it and devour the child.
Gaea, the mother of Zeus hid him on Crete to
escape this death. When Zeus grows to adulthood
he fulfills the the prophecy and defeats his
father. He frees the other children, Hera, and
Poseidon who go on to become the Olympian gods.
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The City of MALIA on Crete Situated on a broad
plan, Malia shows typical Minoan design. The city
is maze like allowing entry from multiple
points. It has a large court in front of palace.
This would be used for religious events and
sports such as bulleaping.
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The City of Knossos
Knossos was uncovered by Sir Arthur Evans. It is
the most intact Minoan city. It shows the lack
of Protective walls that characterized the
peaceful Minoan civilization. In the years of
excavating Knossos There has never been any
weapons recovered. Some scholars believe the
peacefulness of Minoan civilization is due to the
relative equality of women.
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QUEENS ROOM from Knossos
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Frescos from Knossos
Women dancing
Women sitting in Shade
In Minoan frescos Women are depicted as white in
skin color. They may have maintained their
appearance by not Engaging in outdoor work. They
had leisure time to engage in dance and rest.
This may be due to the equal status they had in
Minoan civilization. Their exposed breasts may
symbolize fertility.
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This fresco shows the phases of the bull
leap This dangerous sport was played by women
and Men. A charging bull was released. The
athlete was to grab the bulls horns and vault
towards back. From the back an elegant dismount
was made.
Bulleaper sculpture
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Scenes from religious worship
Minoan religion had components of music, dance
and sacrifice. Women took the lead in these
rituals. Gift offerings and water offerings
played a role.
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Harbor created by volcanic eruption
Minoan civilization was Destroyed around 1500
b.c.e. When a volcanic eruption occurred On the
island of Thera, 60 miles north of Crete. The
volcano was 10 miles in diameter. It eruption
created a natural harbor for the island today.
Earth quakes created tidal waves that struck
Minoan cities. This was followed by a huge
cloud of volcanic ash. When it mixed with
floodwaters it became mud That eventually
hardened to a concrete consistency. The people
attempted to rebuild, but the ash was too
daunting.