Minoan and Mycenaean
Greece
-Both Minoan and
Mycenaean civilizations
flourished during the
Bronze Age
-Each civilization was
strongly influenced by its
trade and other contacts
with Ancient Egypt and
the Near East
- Many people in both
civilizations worked
primarily as farmers and
herders but they were
also greatly influenced
by the sea (the
Mediterranean and
Aegean); the Minoans in
particular developed a
vast maritime empire
Mural of Minoan ship
Minoan Cyclades lyre (or harp) player,
ca 2750-2500 BCE – marble, 9” high
Knossos Palace (the labyrinth (maze)
of Greek mythology?)
Sir Arthur Evans (+1941), the
discoverer/excavator of Knossos
Palace columns at Knossos
Knossos storage jars
Knossos (Queen’s Megaron)
Knossos interior (reconstruction)
Minoan fresco of boy with fish
(Akrotiri)
Minoan snake goddess
Three court ladies
Bull-leaping mural at Knossos
Minoan Phaistos Disk: Linear A
(ca 1700 BCE)
Minoan Linear B tablet, 1450 BCE or later:
two examples
Minoan octopus vase
Mycenaean Vaphio cup, ca 1500 B.C.E.
(repousse technique)
Agamemnon’s Mask (discovered at
Mycenae in 1876 by Schliemann)
Mycenaean citadel
Reconstruction of Mycenae, ca 1400-1200 BCE:
overhead view and Megaron (interior)
The Lion Gate at Mycenae (with its unique
corbel arch)
Grave Circle A at Mycenae
Heinrich Schliemann, the
discoverer of Troy and Mycenae
Sophie wearing part of Priam’s
treasure (Troy)
Mycenaean warrior statue
Agora (reconstruction)
Temple of Apollo at Corinth
Rock of Aphrodite (Cyprus)