What evidence have archaeologists found to provide insight into the lives of the Minoans?
What evidence have archaeologists found to provide insight into the lives of the Minoans?
Archaeological survey of the upper strata of the Neolithic site revealed artifacts such as gold jewelry, glazed pottery, and bronze. A prepalace structure from 3000 b.c. was also identified, thus making the Early Minoan Period contemporary with the emergence of the Early Bronze Age in the Aegean.
What inspired Minoan art?
The Minoans, as a seafaring culture, were in contact with foreign peoples throughout the Aegean, as is evidenced by the Near East, Babylonian, and Egyptian influences in their early art but also in trade, notably the exchange of pottery and foodstuffs such as oil and wine in return for precious objects and materials …
What is unique about Minoan columns?
Minoan columns were uniquely shaped, constructed from wood, and painted. They are tapered at the bottom, larger at the top, and fitted with a bulbous, pillow-like capital . The complex at Phaistos bears many similarities with its counterpart at Knossos, although it is smaller.
How did the Minoans make money?
Overview of the Minoan Economy The Minoan economy was based in the maritime trade of agricultural products like wine, olives, and figs in exchange for minerals and other resources like copper and ivory.
What did the Minoans use for shelter?
Unlike the homes of other contemporaneous civilizations which were typically made from mud bricks, the Minoans’ houses were made from stone which was effective against the elements. Within the houses, many people had luxury items like jewelry and fine vessels made from gold and silver.
What were the major gods of the Minoan religion?
The main deities of Minoan religion were nature, worshipped as the Great Mother, and vegetation, personified by the young god who dies and is reborn. Another deity who dies is the young goddess, Kore.
What games did the Minoans enjoy?
The Minoans loved games, such as boxing and bull-leaping. Bull-leaping involved jumping onto a bull by grabbing its horns, doing a somersault, and landing back on the ground.
What is known about the Minoans?
The Minoan civilization is particularly notable for its large and elaborate palaces up to four stories high, featuring elaborate plumbing systems and decorated with frescoes. The most notable Minoan palace is that of Knossos, followed by that of Phaistos.