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Minoan Art and Architecture

•LINEAR B: a very early form of Greek writing imported from the mainland

Minoan Periods:1.Old Palace Period 1900-1700 BCE

2.New Palace Period 1700-1450 BCE

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Stairwell in the residential quarter of the palace at Knossos (Crete), Greece, ca. 1700–1400 BCE.

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Figure 4-4 Aerial view (looking northeast) of the palace at Knossos (Crete), Greece, ca. 1700–1400 BCE.

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Figure 4-5 Plan of the palace at Knossos (Crete), Greece, ca. 1700–1400 BCE.

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Minoan Architecture

• Understand the elements and nature of Minoan palace architecture.

• What was the “labyrinth” of the Minotaur and how does the palace at Knossos fit that description?

• Describe some of the remarkable achievements of Minoan architecture.

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The Development of Minoan Sculpture

• Describe the materials used in the making of pottery in the Minoan culture.

• What is the predominant imagery in the painted images in Minoan pottery?

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Snake Goddess, from the palace at Knossos (Crete), Greece, ca. 1600 BCE. Faience, 1’ 1 1/2” high. Archaeological Museum, Herakleion.

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Octopus jar, from Palaikastro (Crete), Greece, ca. 1500 BCE. 11” high. Archaeological Museum, Herakleion.

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Bull-leaping, from the palace at Knossos (Crete), Greece, ca. 1450–1400 BCE. Fresco, 2’ 8” high, including border. Archaeological Museum, Herakleion.

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Minoan Wall Painting

• What is the subject matter and style seen in Minoan wall paintings?

• What materials and methods were typically used?

• Compare the fresco in the next slide with Egyptian wall painting.

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4.3 Mycenaean Culture and Art

• Relate significant aspects of archeological excavations at Mycenae.

• Understand the link between culture and architecture of Mycenae.

• Discuss the relationship between Minoan and Mycenaean art and culture.