CLA230H1 Lecture 4: Bronze Age – Minoan Crete and Mycenae
Document Summary
Minoan society emerge on crete, the earliest aegean state. Why they emerged is still being debated. Minoans names after the mythical king of crete minos. Was influenced considerably by the mainland mycenaeans. Palace societies are absent on crete until the arrival of greeks. 3000bc-2000bc, the development of minoan cult on crete is similar to the mainland similar homes and agriculture. 1900bc, evidence [esp knossos and phaistos] for emerging palaces. Arthur evans, excavated 19thc, named the minoans: knossos: early, and later palace in the second palatial period. Most destroyed around 1450bc [knossos survives for a bit] Goddesses seem to be central figures, not male gods. Agriculture dominates the wealth of the minoans, rather than trade or crafts. Minoan colonies in other regions of aegean greece: According to thucydides, minos" rule was the beginning of greek phallocracy; crete was the precursor to athenian hegemony: evidence of ppl who preceded minos settlers, so cretans must have driven them out.
