Minoans and Minoans and MyceneansMyceneans

Minoans: Geography & Minoans: Geography & CultureCulture

Myceneans: Geography & Myceneans: Geography & CultureCulture

Minoans: Island of Minoans: Island of CreteCrete

MinoansMinoans The story of European civilization really begins on The story of European civilization really begins on

the island of Crete with a civilization that probably the island of Crete with a civilization that probably thought of itself as Asian (in fact, Crete is closer to thought of itself as Asian (in fact, Crete is closer to Asia than it is to Europe). Asia than it is to Europe).

Around 1700 BC, a highly sophisticated culture Around 1700 BC, a highly sophisticated culture grew up around palace centers on Crete: the grew up around palace centers on Crete: the Minoans. Minoans.

The Minoans produced a civilization oriented The Minoans produced a civilization oriented around trade and bureaucracy with little or no around trade and bureaucracy with little or no evidence of a military state. evidence of a military state.

They built perhaps the single most efficient They built perhaps the single most efficient bureaucracy in antiquity. bureaucracy in antiquity.

This unique culture, of course, lasted only a few This unique culture, of course, lasted only a few centuries, and European civilization shifts to Europe centuries, and European civilization shifts to Europe itself with the foundation of the military city-states itself with the foundation of the military city-states on the mainland of Greece. on the mainland of Greece.

CreteCrete

On the island, the climate is comfortable On the island, the climate is comfortable and the soil fertile; as an island, it was and the soil fertile; as an island, it was isolated from the mainland of Asia isolated from the mainland of Asia Minor, the Middle East, and Egypt.Minor, the Middle East, and Egypt.

Being an island, resources were limited. Being an island, resources were limited. As the population began to thrive, it also As the population began to thrive, it also began to increase, and it is evident that began to increase, and it is evident that the resources of the island became the resources of the island became increasingly insufficient to handle the increasingly insufficient to handle the increased population. So the Cretans increased population. So the Cretans improvised. improvised.

Some migrated, populating other islands Some migrated, populating other islands in the Aegean Sea. in the Aegean Sea.

Migration and TradeMigration and Trade

In doing so, they took their growing civilization In doing so, they took their growing civilization with them and spread Minoan culture, religion, with them and spread Minoan culture, religion, and government all over the Aegean Sea. For this and government all over the Aegean Sea. For this reason, the Minoan culture is also called the reason, the Minoan culture is also called the "Aegean Palace civilization." "Aegean Palace civilization."

But the Cretans who remained turned to other But the Cretans who remained turned to other economic pursuits to support the growing economic pursuits to support the growing population; in particular, they turned to trade. population; in particular, they turned to trade.

Crete became the central exporter of wine, oil, Crete became the central exporter of wine, oil, jewelry, and highly crafted works; in turn, they jewelry, and highly crafted works; in turn, they became importers of raw materials and food. In became importers of raw materials and food. In the process they built the first major navy in the the process they built the first major navy in the world; its primary purpose, however, was world; its primary purpose, however, was mercantile.mercantile.

Minoan Time Line: First Palace Minoan Time Line: First Palace period 2200 - 1700 BCperiod 2200 - 1700 BC

Power began to be centered around kings. Power began to be centered around kings. The first large palace centers came into The first large palace centers came into being. being.

Excavation has revealed four large palaces Excavation has revealed four large palaces at Knossos, Phaestos, Malia, and Zakros so at Knossos, Phaestos, Malia, and Zakros so far. far.

  The buildings are arranged around a The buildings are arranged around a central court and have fine facades of central court and have fine facades of closely fitted stone blocks with closely fitted stone blocks with monumental entrances. Inside, they are monumental entrances. Inside, they are multi-storied and have workshops, storage multi-storied and have workshops, storage magazines and sacred rooms. magazines and sacred rooms.

The finest example was uncovered in the The finest example was uncovered in the west palace section at Phaestos.  The west palace section at Phaestos.  The palaces workshops are also producing fine palaces workshops are also producing fine wares already. wares already.

Pottery and Pottery and WorkshopsWorkshops The gorgeous Kamaresware pottery dates to this The gorgeous Kamaresware pottery dates to this

period and the style is named after the cave of period and the style is named after the cave of Kamares where it was first discovered. Kamares where it was first discovered. Kamaresware is pottery with polychrome motifs of Kamaresware is pottery with polychrome motifs of rosettes, spirals and hatching vibrantly painted on rosettes, spirals and hatching vibrantly painted on a shiny black background, and was produced in a a shiny black background, and was produced in a variety of vase shapes. variety of vase shapes.

The workshops also produced fine vases and The workshops also produced fine vases and vessels of stone and faience; seal stones of vessels of stone and faience; seal stones of precious or semi-precious stones, with precious or semi-precious stones, with hieroglyphics and dynamic natural scenes; elegant hieroglyphics and dynamic natural scenes; elegant weapons and tools; vessels of bronze or silver; weapons and tools; vessels of bronze or silver; jewellery of marvellous technique ("the Bee jewellery of marvellous technique ("the Bee Pendant" from Malia); and miniature sculpture. Pendant" from Malia); and miniature sculpture.

The first palace centers and the settlements of The first palace centers and the settlements of Crete  were reduced to ruins possibly by Crete  were reduced to ruins possibly by earthquakes .earthquakes .

Kamaresware PotteryKamaresware Pottery

http://home.earthlink.net/~macrakis/kamares.vase.jpg

Second Palace period 1700 - 1500 Second Palace period 1700 - 1500 BCBC

Magnificent new palaces were built upon the Magnificent new palaces were built upon the ruins of the old ones. The cities around them ruins of the old ones. The cities around them expanded. Many lords in rural villas controlled expanded. Many lords in rural villas controlled areas in the same way as the feudal lords of areas in the same way as the feudal lords of the Middle Ages.  the Middle Ages.  

Their ships carried both the products of Minoan Their ships carried both the products of Minoan and other societies throughout the Aegean and and other societies throughout the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean to trade. Eastern Mediterranean to trade.

The new palaces were multi-storeyed and The new palaces were multi-storeyed and complex. They had great courtyards with grand complex. They had great courtyards with grand porticoes, broad staircases, processional paths porticoes, broad staircases, processional paths and monumental entrances. Many rooms could and monumental entrances. Many rooms could be opened for air circulation and sunlight to be opened for air circulation and sunlight to enter via pier and door partitions  making the enter via pier and door partitions  making the rooms quite bright and pleasant in the rooms quite bright and pleasant in the summer. Benches and thrones were found in summer. Benches and thrones were found in royal rooms.  royal rooms.  

Second Palace con’dSecond Palace con’d

There were many interior light wells to allow light There were many interior light wells to allow light in through all levels of the palace via the roof. in through all levels of the palace via the roof. – Bathrooms and water supply and drainage systems Bathrooms and water supply and drainage systems

allowed for a easier style of life. Sections of the palaces allowed for a easier style of life. Sections of the palaces were royal quarters, sacred areas (pillar crypts, tripartite were royal quarters, sacred areas (pillar crypts, tripartite shrines), audience and banquet halls.  shrines), audience and banquet halls.  

– Large areas of these palaces were set aside as storage Large areas of these palaces were set aside as storage areas (magazines), and workshops also existed within the areas (magazines), and workshops also existed within the palaces. palaces.

– Wonderful fresco painting decorating the walls with fresh, Wonderful fresco painting decorating the walls with fresh, lively scenes in an array of colors.  lively scenes in an array of colors.  

– Gypsum was a common building material used for wall Gypsum was a common building material used for wall siding and floors. siding and floors.

The marine style of pottery developed with flowing The marine style of pottery developed with flowing elements including stylized octopuses and elements including stylized octopuses and seaweed. seaweed.

Second Palace period 1700 - 1500 Second Palace period 1700 - 1500 BCBC(Continued)(Continued) The floral style also developed inventive plants and The floral style also developed inventive plants and

open flowers.  Frescos depicted landscapes with open flowers.  Frescos depicted landscapes with animals along with scenes from religious and social animals along with scenes from religious and social life.  Bull jumping and other festivities were shown on life.  Bull jumping and other festivities were shown on the frescos.  Faience work, decorative plaques, the frescos.  Faience work, decorative plaques, figurines such as the snake goddesses, royal gaming figurines such as the snake goddesses, royal gaming boards, detailed gold and silver jewellery and vessels boards, detailed gold and silver jewellery and vessels were produced in the workshops of the day.  Some were produced in the workshops of the day.  Some very fine bronze work was achieved during this period. very fine bronze work was achieved during this period.

The still undeciphered Linear A is now in use.  There The still undeciphered Linear A is now in use.  There are about 200 surviving texts on clay tablets are about 200 surviving texts on clay tablets apparently deal with accounting and inventory apparently deal with accounting and inventory information.  The tablets come from the archives of information.  The tablets come from the archives of palaces such as Knossos or villas and were preserved palaces such as Knossos or villas and were preserved by firing in the fires that destroyed the palaces.  The by firing in the fires that destroyed the palaces.  The Phaestos Disk, with its unique hieroglyphic text, Phaestos Disk, with its unique hieroglyphic text, belongs to the first phase of the second palace period. belongs to the first phase of the second palace period.

Volcanic Eruption 1450 Volcanic Eruption 1450 B.C.B.C. All of the centers of the second palace period were destroyed All of the centers of the second palace period were destroyed

around 1450.  around 1450.   The terrible volcanic eruption of Santorini had large impacts on The terrible volcanic eruption of Santorini had large impacts on

Crete depending on how the ash fell, but did not have enough Crete depending on how the ash fell, but did not have enough effects to destroy the palaces or the Minoan way of life. effects to destroy the palaces or the Minoan way of life.

The eruption of Santorini may have destroyed some coastal The eruption of Santorini may have destroyed some coastal towns and shipping, and would have depressed the economies towns and shipping, and would have depressed the economies of the eastern Mediterranean though.  Terrible palace of the eastern Mediterranean though.  Terrible palace destructions did happen though (probably through earthquake destructions did happen though (probably through earthquake again).  again).  

Life resumed only at the palace at Knossos, which was Life resumed only at the palace at Knossos, which was reconstructed and served as the residence of a new reconstructed and served as the residence of a new Mycanaean (Achaean) rulers from the mainland. Mycanaean (Achaean) rulers from the mainland.

Their presence is inferred by the appearance of the very Their presence is inferred by the appearance of the very archaic written Greek language of Linear B and by the archaic written Greek language of Linear B and by the appearance of  Palace Style pottery. Changes were made in the appearance of  Palace Style pottery. Changes were made in the arrangement of the palaces, and the Knossos Throne Room and arrangement of the palaces, and the Knossos Throne Room and many surviving frescoes (such as the Corridor of the Procession many surviving frescoes (such as the Corridor of the Procession also at Knossos) date from this period. also at Knossos) date from this period.

Minoan Timeline ContinuedMinoan Timeline Continued

Third Palace period 1500 - 1200 BCThird Palace period 1500 - 1200 BC– After the final destruction of about 1380, none of the After the final destruction of about 1380, none of the

Minoan palaces were rebuilt. Even the palace at Knossos Minoan palaces were rebuilt. Even the palace at Knossos was not rebuilt, although the city around it stayed alive.  was not rebuilt, although the city around it stayed alive.  

Post-palace period 1200 – 1050Post-palace period 1200 – 1050– The last phase of this period was a time of decline and The last phase of this period was a time of decline and

disorder caused by the movement of many peoples in disorder caused by the movement of many peoples in the East Mediterranean. The forerunners of the Dorians the East Mediterranean. The forerunners of the Dorians may have begun to arrive in Crete. may have begun to arrive in Crete.

Sub-Minoan Period 1100-1000 BCSub-Minoan Period 1100-1000 BC– Crete entered upon the purely Greek period of its history Crete entered upon the purely Greek period of its history

with the arrival of massive waves of Dorians at about with the arrival of massive waves of Dorians at about 1100 BC. The Protogeometric period that followed (1100-1100 BC. The Protogeometric period that followed (1100-900 BC) unfolded alongside the Sub-Minoan, as the 900 BC) unfolded alongside the Sub-Minoan, as the earlier Minoan cultural traditions continued on especially earlier Minoan cultural traditions continued on especially in the mountain areas of central and eastern Crete. in the mountain areas of central and eastern Crete.  Many mountain top settlements existed due to their  Many mountain top settlements existed due to their defensive locations. The use of iron, and cremation of defensive locations. The use of iron, and cremation of the dead became general. the dead became general.

Chronology of Minoan Crete

2600 BCE EM I Pre-Palace period

EM II

EM III

MM Ia

2000 BCE MM Ib Old Palace period

MM IIa

MM IIb

1700 BCE MM IIIa New Palace period

MM IIIb

LM Ia

LM Ib

LM II

1400 BCE LM IIIa Post Palace period

LM IIIb

LM IIIc

1100 BCE Sub-Minoan

WritingWriting

Three types of picture writing have been discovered in Three types of picture writing have been discovered in ancient Crete. Unfortunately, the writings have told us very ancient Crete. Unfortunately, the writings have told us very little about the Minoan way of life. little about the Minoan way of life.

Linear A:Linear A: This type of writing has been found in many This type of writing has been found in many places in Crete. Most examples are scratched on clay places in Crete. Most examples are scratched on clay tablets but there are some samples engraved on metal. In tablets but there are some samples engraved on metal. In order to be able to translate Linear A we will probably have order to be able to translate Linear A we will probably have to find a to find a bilingual textbilingual text. This means a text with the same . This means a text with the same words written in Linear A and in a language we already words written in Linear A and in a language we already know. know.

Linear B:Linear B: Linear B has been found at one site only in Linear B has been found at one site only in Crete. This was at the palace at Knossos. It has been found Crete. This was at the palace at Knossos. It has been found in many sites in Greece, however, including Mycenae. It is in many sites in Greece, however, including Mycenae. It is now known to be an early form of Greek. now known to be an early form of Greek.

Phaestos Disc:Phaestos Disc: Only one example of the third type of Only one example of the third type of writing has ever been found. It is on a decorative disc found writing has ever been found. It is on a decorative disc found at the palace at Phaestos. It may not be Cretan. It may at the palace at Phaestos. It may not be Cretan. It may have come from Anatolia. have come from Anatolia.

Linear A & BLinear A & B

Linear A

Linear B

Phaestos DiscPhaestos Disc

Phaestos DiscPhaestos Disc

This is an early example of This is an early example of moveable typemoveable type for printing. Europeans did not use this for printing. Europeans did not use this technique again until the A.D. 1400s. technique again until the A.D. 1400s. Previously it had been thought that the Previously it had been thought that the Chinese had invented moveable type. Chinese had invented moveable type.

The Phaestos Disc is remarkable because The Phaestos Disc is remarkable because the figures are not scratched on but the figures are not scratched on but pressed in. A block was made for each pressed in. A block was made for each pictograph.pictograph. The same block was pressed The same block was pressed into clay whenever that particular sign into clay whenever that particular sign was needed. was needed.

Minoan ReligionMinoan Religion

The Goddesses:The Goddesses:– The main deity is still the Mother Goddess, who is The main deity is still the Mother Goddess, who is

portrayed in different forms such as the "goddess with portrayed in different forms such as the "goddess with the snakes." The Bull was also worshipped as a powerful the snakes." The Bull was also worshipped as a powerful symbol of fertility beside her.  Deities were worshipped symbol of fertility beside her.  Deities were worshipped in sanctuaries of the palaces, various dwellings, the peak in sanctuaries of the palaces, various dwellings, the peak sanctuaries, and in sacred caves. Many of the features of sanctuaries, and in sacred caves. Many of the features of Minoan religion passed into the cycle of  the Greek Minoan religion passed into the cycle of  the Greek mystery religions. Most of the tombs were cut into the mystery religions. Most of the tombs were cut into the soft rock and had a square burial chamber and a sloping soft rock and had a square burial chamber and a sloping dromos. Some were still vaulted tombs with a circular or dromos. Some were still vaulted tombs with a circular or rectangular chamber. rectangular chamber.

– They gave thanks for their beautiful land by worshipping They gave thanks for their beautiful land by worshipping a small number of gods and goddesses. The main ones a small number of gods and goddesses. The main ones represented the male and female aspects of life. represented the male and female aspects of life.

– They worshipped them on mountains, in temples on the They worshipped them on mountains, in temples on the ground and in caves. It was believed that gods and ground and in caves. It was believed that gods and goddesses could live in tress and columns because these goddesses could live in tress and columns because these linked the earth and the heavens. The Minoans had linked the earth and the heavens. The Minoans had many sacred objects. many sacred objects.

Snake Goddess Snake Goddess VesselsVessels

The bull:The bull:

The male aspect of life was represented by the bull. The male aspect of life was represented by the bull. The bull figure is found in many pictures of Minoan The bull figure is found in many pictures of Minoan life. The angry beast which lived in the labyrinth life. The angry beast which lived in the labyrinth beneath the palace of Knossos, beneath the palace of Knossos, the Minotaur,the Minotaur, had the had the body of a man and the head of a bull. body of a man and the head of a bull.

Bull's horns are found as decorations in many parts of Bull's horns are found as decorations in many parts of the palace ruins and on vases, seals and ornaments. the palace ruins and on vases, seals and ornaments. Little model bulls were placed between the stalactites Little model bulls were placed between the stalactites in caves as offerings to the gods. Many stayed there in caves as offerings to the gods. Many stayed there for over 3000 years before they were discovered. for over 3000 years before they were discovered.

Bulls may have been sacrificed in some religious Bulls may have been sacrificed in some religious ceremonies. Blood would have been collected in ceremonies. Blood would have been collected in rhytonsrhytons. In a . In a libationlibation ceremony the blood would have ceremony the blood would have been poured over columns or into caves. This been poured over columns or into caves. This represented a releasing of the bull's energy. represented a releasing of the bull's energy.

BullsBulls

PalacesPalaces

KnossosKnossos PhaestosPhaestos

KnossosKnossos

Knossos SiteKnossos Site

On Friday 23 March 1900 at 11 a.m. Arthur Evans On Friday 23 March 1900 at 11 a.m. Arthur Evans began his excavation of Knossos. Although he was began his excavation of Knossos. Although he was not the first to excavate at the site, that honour not the first to excavate at the site, that honour belongs to a Greek appropriately called Minos belongs to a Greek appropriately called Minos Kalokairinos in 1878, it was to be Evans who Kalokairinos in 1878, it was to be Evans who uncovered the Knossos Palace and brought to light a uncovered the Knossos Palace and brought to light a hitherto unknown civilisation -- possibly the oldest in hitherto unknown civilisation -- possibly the oldest in Europe. Europe.

The basic excavation of the site took four years and The basic excavation of the site took four years and for the rest of his life Evans continued working on the for the rest of his life Evans continued working on the site, reconstructing and building, often in an attempt site, reconstructing and building, often in an attempt to preserve the remains from the weather to which to preserve the remains from the weather to which they had been exposed for the first time in 3,500 they had been exposed for the first time in 3,500 years. years.

Occupation 1900-1700 B.C. (earthquake in 1700 B.C., Occupation 1900-1700 B.C. (earthquake in 1700 B.C., then repaired), reoccupied until around 1400 B.C.then repaired), reoccupied until around 1400 B.C.

Knossos LayoutKnossos Layout

The Bull ChamberThe Bull Chamber

Immediately south of the North Pillar Hall is the Bull Chamber, which was on the same level as the Central Court. It was here that the Bull Relief Fresco was found. Opposite this chamber there would originally have been another, also decorated with a fresco.

The great staircaseThe great staircase

Bull “horns” on palace wall.

The Dolphin SanctuaryThe Dolphin Sanctuary

Near the Hall of the Double Axes is the Dolphin Sanctuary, which Evans assigned as the Queen's Apartment. The area takes its name from a Dolphin Fresco which was found here in pieces, although it probably fell from the floor above during the destruction of the palace. A replica of the fresco now adorns the north wall.

The Throne Room The Throne Room On the West Side of the Palace is one of the most famous of rooms unearthed by Evans, the Throne Room.

The throne room would have had an oppressive quality about it. With its low ceiling and lack of windows it was separated from the Central Court by an anteroom. The throne is placed along a side wall facing across the room. On either side of the throne there are stone benches and in front of the throne a stone basin.

Drainage SystemDrainage System

Phaestos/PhaistosPhaestos/Phaistos

Phaistos is Minoan palace site situated on a Phaistos is Minoan palace site situated on a hill with a commanding view of the Mesara hill with a commanding view of the Mesara Plain to the south and west. Plain to the south and west.

It is about 60 km south of Heraklion in the It is about 60 km south of Heraklion in the fertile Messara valley that is surrounded by fertile Messara valley that is surrounded by mountain ranges and the plain extends south mountain ranges and the plain extends south to the Libyan sea. Regular public to the Libyan sea. Regular public transportation is available from Iraklion and transportation is available from Iraklion and Rethimnon. Rethimnon.

During the Minoan times, Phaistos was a very During the Minoan times, Phaistos was a very important city-state, being the second largest important city-state, being the second largest city after Knossos. Where this great city once city after Knossos. Where this great city once stood, there is now the village of Agios stood, there is now the village of Agios Ioannis, buillt next to Phaistos. Ioannis, buillt next to Phaistos.

Phaestos in MythologyPhaestos in Mythology

According to mythology, Phaistos was the seat According to mythology, Phaistos was the seat of king Radamanthis, brother of king Minos. of king Radamanthis, brother of king Minos.

It was also the city that gave birth to the great It was also the city that gave birth to the great wise man and soothsayer Epimenidis, one of the wise man and soothsayer Epimenidis, one of the seven wise men of the ancient world.  seven wise men of the ancient world.  

The city also participated in the Trojan war and The city also participated in the Trojan war and was an important city-state in the Dorian was an important city-state in the Dorian period. Phaistos continued to flourish during period. Phaistos continued to flourish during Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic times, but was Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic times, but was destroyed by the Gortynians during the 3rd destroyed by the Gortynians during the 3rd century B.C. century B.C.

Still, Phaistos existing even during the Roman Still, Phaistos existing even during the Roman period. Phaistos had two ports, Matala and period. Phaistos had two ports, Matala and Kommos. Kommos.

Mesara Plain Mesara Plain

Old PalaceOld Palace(where Phaestos Disc (where Phaestos Disc recovered)recovered)

OccupationOccupation

The Old Palace was built on the site at the The Old Palace was built on the site at the beginning of the Second Millenium, known as the beginning of the Second Millenium, known as the Protopalatial Period (c.1900-1700 BCE).Protopalatial Period (c.1900-1700 BCE).

Twice it was severely damaged by earthquakes Twice it was severely damaged by earthquakes and rebuilt so three distinct phases are visible to and rebuilt so three distinct phases are visible to archaeologists. archaeologists.

Levi, who excavated here from 1950 to 1971 Levi, who excavated here from 1950 to 1971 believed that the first two phases of the Old believed that the first two phases of the Old Palace of Phaistos constitute the oldest Palatial Palace of Phaistos constitute the oldest Palatial buildings in Crete. buildings in Crete.

Other finds at the site include thousands of seal Other finds at the site include thousands of seal impressions and some tablets containing the impressions and some tablets containing the Linear A script from Middle Minoan II. Linear A Linear A script from Middle Minoan II. Linear A has so far defied all attempts to decipher it. has so far defied all attempts to decipher it.

RebuildingRebuilding

When the Old Palace was finally destroyed, When the Old Palace was finally destroyed, almost certainly by an earthquake, a new almost certainly by an earthquake, a new palace was built on the site. palace was built on the site.

Fortunately for us, the builders of the new Fortunately for us, the builders of the new palace did not destroy all traces of the old. palace did not destroy all traces of the old.

In fact much of the old palace was covered In fact much of the old palace was covered over at the time of the building of the new over at the time of the building of the new palace in order to level the ground. palace in order to level the ground.

Some of the old palace can still be seen, Some of the old palace can still be seen, especially in the north-east corner, but much especially in the north-east corner, but much of the Old Palace remains are accessible only of the Old Palace remains are accessible only to the experts.to the experts.

Magazine-storage areaMagazine-storage area

At Phaistos, the magazine consisted of ten rooms, five on each side, opening onto an east-west corridor, which at its east end opened out into a two-columned hall with a portico facing the Central Court. One storage room remains in tact with a number of pithoi inside.

CourtyardCourtyard

King’s MegaronKing’s Megaron

Queen’s MegaronQueen’s Megaron

Theatre AreaTheatre Area From the Upper From the Upper West Court a West Court a staircase leads to staircase leads to the theatre area, the theatre area, with its eight rows with its eight rows of seats, each one of seats, each one 22 meters long and 22 meters long and the Lower West the Lower West Court. On the north Court. On the north side of the theatre side of the theatre there is a retaining there is a retaining wall for the Upper wall for the Upper Court and below Court and below this, the tiered this, the tiered seats overlooking seats overlooking the Lower West the Lower West Court. The court is Court. The court is traversed traversed diagonally by a diagonally by a raised causeway. raised causeway. On the east side of On the east side of the causeway are the causeway are six circular pits. six circular pits. These are thought These are thought to have been for to have been for grain storage grain storage similar to those in similar to those in Knossos and Malia. Knossos and Malia.

End of Minoan End of Minoan CivilizationCivilization At around 1400 B.C., Mycenean At around 1400 B.C., Mycenean

civilization began to gain control civilization began to gain control of Crete.of Crete.

Increase in warfare and Increase in warfare and abandonment of palaces in favor abandonment of palaces in favor of settlements higher in the of settlements higher in the mountains (protected).mountains (protected).– i.e. Kavousii.e. Kavousi

Myceneans: Myceneans: The Early The Early Helladic Period, ~2750-2000 BCHelladic Period, ~2750-2000 BC

Somewhere between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, the Somewhere between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, the lands of Greece were settled by a metal-using lands of Greece were settled by a metal-using agricultural people who spoke a language other agricultural people who spoke a language other than Indo-European. than Indo-European.

Some of the names they gave their villages were Some of the names they gave their villages were preserved by the Greeks, names, for instance, preserved by the Greeks, names, for instance, ending in "-ssos." We know next to nothing of ending in "-ssos." We know next to nothing of these people, their religion, their cultural memory, these people, their religion, their cultural memory, their language, or their everyday experience. their language, or their everyday experience.

The period when they dominated Greece, called The period when they dominated Greece, called the "Early Helladic" period, seemed to be one of the "Early Helladic" period, seemed to be one of comparative quiet and peace. All that ended comparative quiet and peace. All that ended around 2000 BC; the early Helladic sites and around 2000 BC; the early Helladic sites and villages were destroyed in fire or abandoned villages were destroyed in fire or abandoned outright. outright.

The Middle Helladic Period, The Middle Helladic Period, ~2000 BC-1550 BC~2000 BC-1550 BC

This period of conquest and settlement by This period of conquest and settlement by the Greeks makes up the Middle Helladic the Greeks makes up the Middle Helladic period. period.

These new invaders settled all the parts of These new invaders settled all the parts of Greece, in some instances settling peacefully Greece, in some instances settling peacefully with the previous inhabitants, and began to with the previous inhabitants, and began to dominate Greek culture. dominate Greek culture.

They spoke an Indo-European language; in They spoke an Indo-European language; in fact, they spoke Greek. fact, they spoke Greek.

Their society was primarily based on warfare; Their society was primarily based on warfare; their leaders were essentially war-chiefs. their leaders were essentially war-chiefs.

The Middle Helladic The Middle Helladic Period, ~2000 BC-1550 Period, ~2000 BC-1550 BC Con‘dBC Con‘d They had settled a difficult land: the Greek They had settled a difficult land: the Greek

mainland is hot, dry and rocky. Agriculture is mainland is hot, dry and rocky. Agriculture is difficult, but some crops grow extremely well, difficult, but some crops grow extremely well, such as grapes and olives. such as grapes and olives.

The coastal settlers relied heavily on fishing The coastal settlers relied heavily on fishing for their diet. In spite of the ruggedness of for their diet. In spite of the ruggedness of their life and the harshness of their social their life and the harshness of their social organization, these early Greeks traded with organization, these early Greeks traded with a civilization to the south, the Minoans. a civilization to the south, the Minoans.

Their contact with the Minoans was instantly Their contact with the Minoans was instantly fruitful; they began to urbanize somewhere in fruitful; they began to urbanize somewhere in the Middle Helladic period and translated the Middle Helladic period and translated their culture into a civilization. their culture into a civilization.

The Late Helladic Period, The Late Helladic Period, ~1550 BC-1150 BC~1550 BC-1150 BC

Around 1600 BC, urban centers began to Around 1600 BC, urban centers began to thrive and the Greek settlers entered their thrive and the Greek settlers entered their first major period of cultural creativity. first major period of cultural creativity.

Their cities grew larger, their graves more Their cities grew larger, their graves more opulent, their art more common, their opulent, their art more common, their agriculture more efficient, and the power of agriculture more efficient, and the power of these new warlord cities began to be felt these new warlord cities began to be felt around the Aegean. around the Aegean.

This period of Greek development and This period of Greek development and prosperity is called the prosperity is called the Late Helladic Late Helladic PeriodPeriod or simply the or simply the MyceneanMycenean period. The period. The Greeks of this age are the Myceneans proper; Greeks of this age are the Myceneans proper; for four centuries their culture thrived.for four centuries their culture thrived.

CultureCulture

What we can tell from their ruined cities, their What we can tell from their ruined cities, their art, and their records, is that the Myceneans art, and their records, is that the Myceneans derived much of their culture from the Minoans, derived much of their culture from the Minoans, but with some dramatic differences. but with some dramatic differences.

Mycenean society was monarchical. The Mycenean society was monarchical. The monarch, called a monarch, called a wanaxwanax, ruled over a large , ruled over a large administration as a kind of head bureaucrat. administration as a kind of head bureaucrat.

Unlike the Minoans, though, the Mycenean kings Unlike the Minoans, though, the Mycenean kings accumulated vast wealth in concentrated form; accumulated vast wealth in concentrated form; the rest of society did not share in the prosperity the rest of society did not share in the prosperity as did the Minoans. as did the Minoans.

The king was also primarily a warlord, and The king was also primarily a warlord, and Mycenean society was constantly geared for Mycenean society was constantly geared for battle and invasion. battle and invasion.

Mycenae and PerseusMycenae and Perseus

According to the tradition, the city of According to the tradition, the city of MykenaeMykenae, the main , the main representative of this civilization, was founded by representative of this civilization, was founded by PerseusPerseus (1400 - 1350 BC), the son of Zeus and (1400 - 1350 BC), the son of Zeus and DanaeDanae, , the daughter of king the daughter of king AkrisiosAkrisios of Argos. of Argos.

Mykenae was build by the mythical Mykenae was build by the mythical CyclopsCyclops, the same , the same ones who constructed the enormous walls of the nearby ones who constructed the enormous walls of the nearby city of city of TyrinthsTyrinths, which was governed by his brother , which was governed by his brother ProetosProetos..

Perseus was succeeded by his son Perseus was succeeded by his son SthenelosSthenelos, the father , the father of of EurystheusEurystheus, who captured Argos and according to the , who captured Argos and according to the myth, he assigned Herakles to perform the twelve labors.myth, he assigned Herakles to perform the twelve labors.

After the death of Eurystheus, the city was governed by After the death of Eurystheus, the city was governed by AtreusAtreus of Elis (1250 BC), the brother of Eurystheus wife of Elis (1250 BC), the brother of Eurystheus wife and son of Pelops and Hippodameia.and son of Pelops and Hippodameia.

Mycenean Art-FrescoMycenean Art-Fresco

Mycenean Art-Mycenean Art-MetallurgyMetallurgy

Bronze Lion

Gold Cup

Mycenean Art-Mycenean Art-CeramicsCeramics

Octapus JarHorse Jar

Myceneans and Linear Myceneans and Linear BB With such a non-descriptive name, Linear B proved to be With such a non-descriptive name, Linear B proved to be

the oldest surviving record of a Greek dialect, known as the oldest surviving record of a Greek dialect, known as Mycenaean, named after the great site of Mycenae where Mycenaean, named after the great site of Mycenae where the legendary Agamemnon ruled. the legendary Agamemnon ruled.

Its usage spanned the time period between 1500 BCE and Its usage spanned the time period between 1500 BCE and 1200 BCE approximately, and geographically covered the 1200 BCE approximately, and geographically covered the island of Crete as well as the southern part of the Greek island of Crete as well as the southern part of the Greek Mainland. Mainland.

Its decipherment is attributed to Michael Ventris, an Its decipherment is attributed to Michael Ventris, an architect who actually liked linguistics and epigraphy more architect who actually liked linguistics and epigraphy more than architecture! The script is mostly syllabic, with a than architecture! The script is mostly syllabic, with a bunch of logograms depicting common items such as man, bunch of logograms depicting common items such as man, woman, sheep, etc. woman, sheep, etc.

It seems that ancient accounts composed a majority of the It seems that ancient accounts composed a majority of the clay tablets on which Linear B appears because a lot of clay tablets on which Linear B appears because a lot of them are list of materials and goods.them are list of materials and goods.

Linear BLinear B

Optional Signs: used to Optional Signs: used to clarify the spelling of a clarify the spelling of a

wordword

MycenaeMycenae

The ancient city of Mycenae was once The ancient city of Mycenae was once thought to exist only in ancient Greek thought to exist only in ancient Greek legend and the epic poetry of Homer.legend and the epic poetry of Homer.

It wasn't until 1870 that an amateur It wasn't until 1870 that an amateur archaeologist named Heinrich archaeologist named Heinrich Schliemann found the fabled city. Schliemann found the fabled city.

Many people doubted that he would Many people doubted that he would find such a city, but using only find such a city, but using only landmarks from the text of Homers landmarks from the text of Homers IliadIliad, Schliemann uncovered the , Schliemann uncovered the remains of a once thriving civilization.remains of a once thriving civilization.

Mycenae con’dMycenae con’d

The city of Mycenae was the center of a large The city of Mycenae was the center of a large and powerful Mycenaean Greek civilization, and powerful Mycenaean Greek civilization, which existed from circa 1900 B.C.E. to circa which existed from circa 1900 B.C.E. to circa 1125 B.C.E. 1125 B.C.E.

It is located in the south central part of what It is located in the south central part of what is present day Greece. is present day Greece.

The Mycenaean civilization was at its height The Mycenaean civilization was at its height between 1400 and 1200 B.C.E. between 1400 and 1200 B.C.E.

It is believed that the entire civilization It is believed that the entire civilization consisted of a few loosely joined city-states. consisted of a few loosely joined city-states.

Possible members of the city-states were Possible members of the city-states were Tiryns, Pylos, Thebes, Orchomenos, and of Tiryns, Pylos, Thebes, Orchomenos, and of course Mycenae, which was the strongest.course Mycenae, which was the strongest.

Map of Ancient GreeceMap of Ancient Greece

Map 2Map 2

The AcropolisThe Acropolis

Lion’s GateLion’s Gate

•The Lions Gate at Mycenae. It was the main entrance to the Acropolis and its opening was closed by a double door with sheets of bronze.

•The relief consists of two confronting lions, their heads made from different material.

•The structure is dated to 1250 BC.

Palace ReconstructionPalace Reconstruction

The treasury of Atreus or Tomb The treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon.of Agamemnon.It was constructed in 1250 BC.It was constructed in 1250 BC.

Site LayoutSite Layout

End of MycenaeEnd of Mycenae By 1200 BC the power of Mycenae was declining; By 1200 BC the power of Mycenae was declining;

during the 12th century, Mycenaean dominance during the 12th century, Mycenaean dominance collapsed.collapsed.

Within a short time around 1250 BC, all the palaces of Within a short time around 1250 BC, all the palaces of southern Greece were burned, including the one at southern Greece were burned, including the one at Mycenae.Mycenae.

This is traditionally attributed to a Dorian invasion of This is traditionally attributed to a Dorian invasion of Greeks from the north, although some historians now Greeks from the north, although some historians now doubt that such an invasion took place. doubt that such an invasion took place.

However, no outsiders speaking Doric Greek entered However, no outsiders speaking Doric Greek entered Greece. Another theory postulates that some of the Greece. Another theory postulates that some of the Mycenaean populace, who later came to speak the Mycenaean populace, who later came to speak the Doric dialect, turned on the weakened Mycenaean Doric dialect, turned on the weakened Mycenaean superstructure and razed it, settling in many regions superstructure and razed it, settling in many regions formerly controlled by it.formerly controlled by it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycenae#Decline

Revival and endRevival and end

During the early Classical period, Mycenae was During the early Classical period, Mycenae was once again inhabited, though it never regained once again inhabited, though it never regained its earlier importance. its earlier importance.

Mycenaeans fought at Thermopylae and Plataea Mycenaeans fought at Thermopylae and Plataea during the Persian Wars. during the Persian Wars.

In 462 BC, however, troops from Argos captured In 462 BC, however, troops from Argos captured Mycenae and expelled the inhabitants. Mycenae and expelled the inhabitants.

In Hellenistic and Roman times, the ruins at In Hellenistic and Roman times, the ruins at Mycenae were a tourist attraction (just as they Mycenae were a tourist attraction (just as they are now). are now).

A small town grew up to serve the tourist trade. A small town grew up to serve the tourist trade. By late Roman times, however, the site had By late Roman times, however, the site had been abandoned.been abandoned.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycenae#Decline