minoans & mycenaeans. the “parents” the minoans [2600-1100 bc ] society is unique in all of...
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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