Historical Evidence
A legend that explains the origins of Minoan Crete
What is Theseus and the Minotaur?
A fragmentary fresco that was reconstructed to depict what Arthur Evans believed to be the ruler of Crete
What is the Prince of Lilies Fresco?
The main palace in Minoan Crete
What is Knossos palace?
The type of religion practised in Minoan Crete based on their belief in multiple deities
What is polytheism?
A famous and common sport undertaken by both male and females in Minoan Crete
What is bull leaping?
An undecipherable text used in Bronze Age Minoan Crete
What is Linear A?
A group of wealthy people who lived in large villas and were connected to the palaces and ruler
Who were the palace elite?
The primary source of income for Minoan Crete
What is agriculture?
The name given to a goddess in Minoan Crete who is known as a household/underworld deity linked to regeneration, the earth and domestic protection
Who is the snake goddess?
An activity that most historians have associated with a boys coming of age in Minoan Crete
What is hunting?
Period which is supported by really grand palaces, central courtyards, masterfully engineered with drainage, light wells and multi-storey buildings
What is the New/Second Palace Period?
Depicted more frequently and on a larger scale in artwork, particularly in relation to religious practices
Who were the elite women of Minoan Crete?
Archaeological evidence that supports the concept that palaces were the centre of economic life (x3)
What are magazines, pithoi jars, linear A and B tablets, workshops, koulouras, loom weights?
A religious place known for its location in subterranean rooms. The enclosed, dark space suggests they were used for intimate rituals and chthonic worship where libations were poured to mirror journeys into the underworld.
What is a pillar crypt?
An activity that prompted social cohesion and was largely practised amongst the palace elite.
What is banqueting?
An Ancient writer known for his stories about the strength of the Minoan navy
Who is Thucydides?
A fragment from a larger fresco showcasing a wealthy woman with an elaborate hairstyle, makeup and luxurious clothing
Who is La Parisienne? (Camp Stool Fresco)
The name given to the unique trading system established in Minoan Crete with examples of trading partners
What is royal exchange? Greece, Cyclades, Egypt and Near East
The name given to the archaeological evidence that showcases the clearest and most detailed evidence of animal sacrifice, especially bull sacrifice
What is the Aghia Triada?
Key technologies utilised in palace complexes
What are light wells, ashlar masonry, earthquake proof beams, hydraulic engineering, clay piping, toilets?
One historian who supported the idea that the Minoan ruler could be female
Who is Jane Harrison, Susan Evasdaughter, Helen Waterhouse, Gerald Cadogan, Peter Warren?
A clay tablet used to mark ownership and authenticate transactions implying scribes managed goods moving in and out of the palace
What is a seal stone?
The name of eight different crafts and industries operating in Minoan Crete
What is pottery, stone carving, ivory carving, metal working, jewellery making, seal stones, purple dye, wine making, olive oil, textile production, carpentry, bronze working, shell and bone work?
A highly valuable site known for its sequence of use over 1000 years showcasing changing architecture and social organisation
What is Phourni cemetery?
Average life expectancies of male and females based on skeletal remains
What are 31yr old men and 28yr old women?