Minoans&

Mycenaeans

The “Parents”

The Minoans [2600-1100 BC]

Society is unique in all of historyNon-nomadic, agrarian-based island cultureWealth comes from trade – NO war/NO aggressionHigh standard of living – use of indoor plumbingLiterature: Linear A script – still undecipheredReligion: worship of earth/mother goddess – leads to social gender equalityArt: untypical in its focus on the everyday natural world

extensive use of murals and frescosArchitecture: shows some Egyptian influence, but smaller scale

post and lintel constructioncomplex palaces/temples favor many

small roomsDecline: weakened by volcanic explosion on Thera around 1628 BC

fall prey to invadersSource of Legends: Labyrinth based on temple complex at Knossosenlightened society + volcanic demise = Atlantis

Vaphio Gold Cups

Late Minoan Vase

Goddess with snakes

Sarcophagus fresco

Palace at Knossos

Toreador Fresco

The “Parents”

The Mycenaeans [1600-1100 BC]yNomadic Invaders – life of frequent warfareyLess highly developed than Minoans, but occupy a weakened KreteyTrue Greeks [speak Linear B] – adopt Minoan cultural elementsySemi-feudal kingdoms – with allegiance to MycenaeyTrade throughout eastern Mediterranean – olive oil/wine for luxury itemsyCrafts: Skilled metalworkersyArchitecture: fortified stone-walled citiesypost and lintel elements – Lion GateyReligion: male dominated mountain/sky godsywomen have influence only when men are at war

yHighpoint: Trojan War [immortalized later by Homer

yValues: INDIVIDUALISMAchilles

Odysseusbravery & honor

intelligence & cunning

'Agamemnon' mask

Lion Gate at Mycenae

Mycenaean Dome Tomb

The “Child” [Greek culture] will combine

the Minoan appreciation of the Good Life

with

Mycenaean individualism