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'[[File:Map Minoan Crete-en.svg|thumb|350px|Map of Minoan Crete]] {{History of Greece}} {{Bronze Age}} The '''Minoan civilization''' was a [[Bronze Age]] civilization that arose on the island of [[Crete]] and flourished from approximately the 27th century BC to the 15th century BC.<ref>[http://oxfordbibliographiesonline.com/display/id/obo-9780195389661-0071 "Ancient Crete" in Oxford Bibliographies Online: Classics, offers a scholarly guide to the academic literature on this topic.]</ref> It was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century through the work of the British archaeologist [[Arthur Evans]]. [[Will Durant]] referred to it as "the first link in the European chain."<ref>Durant, ''The Life of Greece'' (''The Story of Civilization'' Part II, (New York: Simon & Schuster) 1939:11.</ref> The early inhabitants of Crete settled as early as 128,000 BC, during the [[Middle Paleolithic]] age.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/science/16archeo.html Wilford, J.N., On Crete, New Evidence of Very Ancient Mariners, The New York Times, Feb 2010</ref><ref>http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/01/ancient-seafarers/ Bowner, B., Hominids Went Out of Africa on Rafts, Wired, Jan 2010</ref> However, it was not until 5000 BC that the first signs of advanced agriculture appeared. ==Overview== What the Minoans called themselves is unknown. The term "Minoan" was coined by [[Arthur Evans]] after the mythic [[Minos|"king" Minos]].<ref>John Bennet, "Minoan civilization", ''[[Oxford Classical Dictionary]]'', 3rd ed., p. 985.</ref> Minos was associated in [[Greek mythology|Greek myth]] with the [[labyrinth]], which Evans identified with the site at [[Knossos]]. It has sometimes been argued that the [[Ancient Egypt|Egyptian]] place name "Keftiu" (*Káftiu ''kftiw'') and the [[Semitic]] "Kaftor" or "[[Caphtor]]" and "Kaptara" in the [[Mari, Syria|Mari]] archives refer to the island of Crete; "On the other hand some acknowledged facts about Caphtor/Keftiu can only with difficulty be reconciled with Crete," observes John Strange.<ref>Strange, ''Caphtor/Keftiu: a new investigation'', 1980:125; Strange reprints the source texts 16-112.</ref> In the ''[[Odyssey]]'', composed centuries after the destruction of the Minoan civilization, [[Homer]] calls the natives of Crete [[Eteocretan language|Eteocretans]] ("true Cretans"); these may have been descendants of the Minoans. Minoan [[palace]]s (anaktora) are the best known building types to have been excavated on the island. They are monumental buildings serving [[administrative]] purposes as evidenced by the large [[archive]]s unearthed by [[archaeologist]]s. Each of the palaces excavated to date has its own unique features, but they also share features which set them apart from other structures. The palaces were often multi-storied, with interior and exterior [[staircase]]s, light wells, massive [[column]]s, storage magazines and courtyards. It seems that the Minoan people were not [[Proto-Indo-Europeans|Indo-European]], and that they were even related to the pre-Greek dwellers of the Greek mainland and Western [[Anatolia]], the so-called [[Pelasgians]].<ref name=bengtson>Hermann Bengtson: Griechische Geschichte. C.H.Beck, München, 2002. 9th Edition. ISBN 340602503X. pp.8-15</ref> However the Minoan civilization was much more advanced and sophisticated than the contemporary [[Helladic]] civilization during the bronze-age. The Minoan script ([[Linear A]]) has not yet been deciphered, but it seems that it represented an [[Tyrsenian languages|Aegean]] language, unrelated to any Indo-European language. From the neolithic ages [[Crete]] stood in the middle of two cultural-streams leading to the west: The forward-Asiatic and the north-African cultural streams. It seems that for many centuries Minoan Crete remained free from any invaders and managed to develop a distinct self-based civilization which was probably the most advanced in the [[Mediterannean]] area during the bronze-age.<ref>F.Schachermeyer (1964).''Die Minoiische Kultur des alten Kreta''.W.Kohlhammer Stuttgart. pp.17-18,58-60,257,262-263,</ref><ref>A.Furumark.Upsala University (1972).''The Thera catastrophe and the consequences for the European civilization''.''Thera and the Aegean world I ''.Thera and the Aegean world.London. pp. 664-669</ref> ==Chronology and history== {{See|Minoan chronology|Minoan pottery}} Rather than associate absolute calendar dates for the Minoan period, archaeologists use two systems of [[chronology|relative chronology]]. The first, created by Evans and modified by later archaeologists, is based on [[pottery]] styles. It divides the Minoan period into three main eras&mdash;Early Minoan (EM), Middle Minoan (MM), and Late Minoan (LM). These eras are further subdivided, e.g. Early Minoan I, II, III (EMI, EMII, EMIII). Another dating system, proposed by the Greek archaeologist [[Nicolas Platon]], is based on the development of the architectural complexes known as "palaces" at [[Knossos]], [[Phaistos]], [[Malia]], and [[Kato Zakros]], and divides the Minoan period into Prepalatial, Protopalatial, Neopalatial, and Post-palatial periods. The relationship among these systems is given in the accompanying table, with approximate calendar dates drawn from Warren and Hankey (1989). The [[Thera eruption]] occurred during a mature phase of the LM IA period. The calendar date of the volcanic eruption is extremely controversial. [[Radiocarbon dating]] has indicated a date in the late 17th century BC;<ref name="Manning">{{cite journal| last=Manning|first=Sturt W|authorlink=|coauthors=Ramsey, CB, Kutschera, W, Higham, T, Kromer, B, Steier, P, and Wild, EM|title=Chronology for the Aegean Late Bronze Age 1700-1400 B.C|journal=Science|volume=312|issue=5773|pages=565–569|publisher=American Association for the Advancement of Science|year=2006|url=http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sci;312/5773/565|doi=10.1126/science.1125682|id=|accessdate=2007-03-10|pmid=16645092}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal| last=Friedrich|first=Walter L|authorlink=|coauthors= Kromer, B, Friedrich, M, Heinemeier, J, Pfeiffer, T, and Talamo, S|title=Santorini Eruption Radiocarbon Dated to 1627-1600 B.C|journal=Science|volume=312|issue=5773|pages=548|publisher=American Association for the Advancement of Science |year=2006|doi=10.1126/science.1125087|id=|accessdate=2007-03-10|pmid=16645088|url=http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sci;312/5773/548}}</ref> those radiocarbon dates, however, conflict with the estimates of archaeologists who synchronize the eruption with the [[Conventional Egyptian chronology]] and obtain a date of around 1525-1500 BC.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.therafoundation.org/articles/chronololy/ |work=Thera Foundation |title=Chronology|accessdate=2009-01-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=New Carbon Dates Support Revised History of Ancient Mediterranean|author=Balter, M|journal=Science|volume=312|issue=5773|year=2006|pages=508–509|doi=10.1126/science.312.5773.508|url=|accessdate=2007-05-01|pmid=16645054}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Warren PM|title=Timelines: Studies in Honour of Manfred Bietak (Orientalia Lovaniensia Analecta 149)|editor=Czerny E, Hein I, Hunger H, Melman D, Schwab A|publisher=Peeters |location=Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium |year=2006|pages=2: 305–321 |isbn=90-429-1730-X |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}</ref> See the article on [[Minoan eruption#Date|dating the Thera eruption]] for more discussion. The eruption is often identified as a natural, catastrophic event that lead to its rapid collapse. === History === {|align=right border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 95%; border: gray solid 1px; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;" |- style="background: #ececec;" ! colspan="14" style="background: #f9f9f9; text-align: center;" | &nbsp;&nbsp;'''Minoan chronology''' |- | 3650-3000 BC | EMI | rowspan=4 valign="top" | '''Prepalatial''' |- | 2900-2300 BC | EMII |- | 2300-2160 BC | EMIII |- | 2160-1900 BC | MMIA |- | 1900-1800 BC | MMIB | rowspan=2 valign="top" | '''Protopalatial'''<br />(Old Palace Period) |- | 1800-1700 BC | MMII |- | 1700-1640 BC | MMIIIA | rowspan=4 valign="top" | '''Neopalatial'''<br />(New Palace Period) |- | 1640-1600 BC | MMIIIB |- | 1600-1480 BC | LMIA |- | 1480-1425 BC | LMIB |- | 1425-1390 BC | LMII | rowspan=5 valign="top" | '''Postpalatial'''<br /> (At Knossos, Final Palace Period) |- | 1390-1370 BC | LMIIIA1 |- | 1370-1340 BC | LMIIIA2 |- | 1340-1190 BC | LMIIIB |- | 1190-1170 BC | LMIIIC |- | 1100 BC || Subminoan |} The oldest evidence of inhabitants on Crete are preceramic [[Neolithic]] farming community remains that date to approximately 7000 BC.<ref>C. Broodbank, T. Strasser, "Migrant farmers and the Neolithic colonisation of Crete" ''Antiquity'' 1991 '''65''': 233–245.</ref> A comparative study of DNA haplogroups of modern Cretan men showed that a male founder group from [[Anatolia]] or the [[Levant]], is shared with the Greeks.<ref>[http://dirkschweitzer.net/E3b-papers/KingAHG-08-72-205.pdf R.J. King, S.S. Ozcan et al., "Differential Y-chromosome Anatolian influences on the Greek and Cretan Neolithic"]</ref> The neolithic population dwelt in open villages. On the shores, there were fishermen's huts, while the fertile [[Mesara Plain]] was used for agriculture.<ref name=bengtson/> The [[Bronze Age]] began in [[Crete]] around 2700 BC.<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'' (Charles Scribner's Sons: New York, 1966) p. 101.</ref> In the late 3rd Millenium BC, several localities on the island developed into centers of commerce and handwork. This enabled the upper classes to continuously practice leadership activities and to expand their influence. It is likely that the original hierarchies of the local elites were replaced by monarchist power structures - a precondition for the creation of the great palaces.<ref name=welwei>Karl-Wilhelm Welwei: Die Griechische Frühzeit. C.H.Beck, München, 2002. ISBN 3406479855. pp.12-18</ref> From the Early Bronze Age (3500 BC to 2600 BC), the Minoan civilization on Crete showed a promise of greatness.<ref>Hermann Kinder & Werner Hilgemann ''Anchor Atlas of World History'', (Anchor Press: New York, 1974) p. 33.</ref> At the end of the MMII period (1700 BC) there was a large disturbance in Crete, probably an earthquake, or possibly an invasion from [[Anatolia]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Beck | first = Roger B. | authorlink = | coauthors = Linda Black, Larry S. Krieger, Phillip C. Naylor, Dahia Ibo Shabaka, | title = World History: Patterns of Interaction | publisher = McDougal Littell | year = 1999 | location = Evanston, IL | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = 0-395-87274-X }}</ref> The palaces at Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Kato Zakros were destroyed. But with the start of the Neopalatial period, population increased again,<ref>All estimates have been revised downward by Todd Whitelaw, “Estimating the Population of Neopalatial Knossos,” in G. Cadogan, E. Hatzaki, and A. Vasilakis (eds.), ''Knossos: Palace, City, State'' (British School at Athens Studies 12) (London 2004); at [[Moschlos]] in eastern Crete, the population expansion was at the ''end'' of the Neoplalatial period (Jeffrey S. Soles and Davaras, ''Moschlos IA'' 2002: Preface p. xvii).</ref> the palaces were rebuilt on a larger scale and new settlements were built all over the island. This period (the 17th and 16th centuries BC, MM III / Neopalatial) represents the apex of the Minoan civilization. There was another natural catastrophe around 1600 BC, possibly an eruption of the [[Thera eruption|Thera volcano]]. Even this disaster didn't discourage the Minoans: the palaces were again rebuilt and were made even greater than before.<ref name=welwei/> The influence of the Minoan civilization outside Crete manifests itself in the presence of valuable Minoan handicraft items on the [[Greece|Greek mainland]]. It is likely that the ruling house of [[Mycenaean civilization|Mycenae]] was connected to the Minoan trade network. After around 1700 BC, the material culture on the Greek mainland achieved a new level due to Minoan influence.<ref name=welwei/> Connections between [[Ancient Egypt|Egypt]] and Crete are prominent. Minoan ceramics are found in Egyptian cities and the Minoans imported several items from Egypt, especially [[papyrus]], as well as architectural and artistic ideas. The Egyptian [[hieroglyphs]] served as a model for the [[Minoan pictographic writing]], from which the famous [[Linear A]] and [[Linear B]] writing systems later developed.<ref name=bengtson/> Around 1450 BC, Minoan culture experienced a turning point due to a natural catastrophe, possibly an earthquake. Another eruption of the [[Thera eruption|Thera]] volcano has been linked to this downfall, but its dating and implications remain controversial. Several important palaces in locations such as Mallia, Tylissos, Phaistos, Hagia Triade as well as the living quarters of Knossos were destroyed. The palace in Knossos seems to have remained largely intact. This resulted in the Dynasty in Knossos being able to spread its influence over large parts of Crete, until it was overrun by [[Mycenaean Greece|Mycenaean Greeks]].<ref name=welwei/> The Minoan palace sites were occupied by the Myceneans around 1420 BC<ref>Carl Roebuck, ''The World of Ancient Times'' p. 77.</ref> (1375 BC according to other sources),<ref name=welwei/> who adapted the [[Linear A]] Minoan script to the needs of their own [[Mycenaean language]], a form of [[Ancient Greek|Greek]], which was written in [[Linear B]]. The first such archive anywhere is in the LMII-era "Room of the Chariot Tablets". The Myceneans generally tended to adapt, rather than destroy, Minoan culture, religion and art,<ref>''Ibid''. p. 107.</ref> and they continued to operate the economic system and bureaucracy of the Minoans.<ref name=welwei/> During LMIIIA:1, [[Amenhotep III]] at Kom el-Hatan took note of ''k-f-t-w'' (Kaftor) as one of the "Secret Lands of the North of [[Asia]]". Also mentioned are Cretan cities such as ''Ἀμνισός'' (Amnisos), ''Φαιστός'' (Phaistos), ''Κυδωνία'' (Kydonia) and ''Kνωσσός'' (Knossos) and some [[toponym]]s reconstructed as belonging to the Cyclades or the Greek mainland. If the values of these Egyptian names are accurate, then this [[Pharaoh]] did not privilege LMIII Knossos above the other states in the region. After about a century of partial recovery, most Cretan cities and palaces went into decline in the 13th century BC (LHIIIB/LMIIIB). The last [[Linear A]] archives date to LMIIIA (contemporary with LHIIIA). Knossos remained an administrative center until 1200 BC; the last of the Minoan sites<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A765146-54 BBC "The Minoan Civilisation of Crete"] :"The later Minoan towns are in more and more inaccessible places, the last one being at Karfi, high in the Dikti Mountains. From that time onward, there are no traces of the Minoans".</ref> was the defensive mountain site of [[Karfi]], a refuge site which displays vestiges of Minoan civilization almost into the [[Iron Age]]. == Geography == Crete is a mountainous island with natural [[harbour]]s. There are signs of earthquake damage at many Minoan sites and clear signs of both uplifting of land and submersion of coastal sites due to [[tectonics|tectonic]] processes all along the coasts.<ref>For instance, the uplift as much as 9 metres in western Crete linked with the earthquake of 365 is discussed in LStathis C. Stiros, "The 8.5+ magnitude, AD365 earthquake in Crete: Coastal uplift, topography changes, archaeological and Ihistorical signature" ''Quaternary International'' (23 May 2009).</ref> [[Homer]] recorded a tradition that Crete had 90 cities.<ref>Homer, ''Odyssey'' xix.</ref> To judge from the palace sites the island was probably divided into at least eight political units during the height of the Minoan period. The north is thought to have been governed from Knossos, the south from [[Phaistos]], the central eastern part from [[Malia (city)|Malia]], and the eastern tip from [[Kato Zakros]] and the west from [[Chania]]. Smaller palaces have been found in other places. Some of the major Minoan archaeological sites are: *Palaces **[[Knossos]] - the largest<ref name="Thera and the Aegean World III">{{cite web |url=http://www.therafoundation.org/articles/economysociety/theislesofcretetheminoanthalassocracyrevisited |title=Thera and the Aegean World III|accessdate=2009-09-13}}</ref> Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete; was purchased for excavations by Evans on March 16, 1900. **[[Phaistos]] - the second largest<ref name="Thera and the Aegean World III"/> palatial building on the island, excavated by the Italian school shortly after Knossos **[[Malia (city)|Malia]] - the subject of French excavations, a palatial centre which affords a look into the development of the palaces in the protopalatial period **[[Kato Zakros]] - a palatial site excavated by Greek archaeologists in the far east of the island. This is also referred to as "Zakro" in archaeological literature. **[[Galatas Palace|Galatas]] - the most recently{{When|date=February 2009}} confirmed palatial site *[[Agia Triada]] - an administrative centre close to Phaistos *[[Gournia]] - a town site excavated in the first quarter of the 20th century by the American School *[[Myrtos Pyrgos|Pyrgos]] - an early Minoan site on the south of the island *[[Vasiliki, Lasithi|Vasiliki]] - an early Minoan site towards the east of the island which gives its name to a distinctive ceramic ware *[[Fournou Korifi|Fournu Korfi]] - a site on the south of the island *[[Pseira]] - island town with ritual sites *[[Mount Juktas]] - the greatest{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}} of the Minoan peak sanctuaries because of its association with the palace of Knossos *[[Arkalochori]] - the find site of the famous [[Arkalochori Axe]] *[[Karfi]] - a refuge site from the late Minoan period, one of the last of the Minoan sites *[[Akrotiri (Santorini)|Akrotiri]] - settlement on the island of [[Santorini]] (Thera), near the site of the [[Thera Eruption]] *[[Zominthos]] - a mountainous city in the northern foothills of [[Mount Ida]] === Minoans beyond Crete === [[File:Copper Ingot Crete.jpg|thumb|300px|Minoan [[copper]] ingot.]] Minoans were traders, and their cultural contacts reached far beyond the island of Crete — to [[Egypt|Egypt's]] [[Old Kingdom]], to copper-bearing [[Cyprus]], [[Canaan]], and the [[Levant]]ine coasts beyond, and to [[Anatolia]]. In late 2009, Minoan-style frescoes and other Minoan-style artifacts were discovered during excavations of the [[Canaan]]ite palace at [[Tel Kabri]], [[Israel]], leading archaeologists to conclude that the Minoan influence was the strongest foreign influence on that [[Caanan]]ite city state. These are the only Minoan remains ever found in [[Israel]].<ref>[http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/134292 Remains of Minoan fresco found at Tel Kabri]; [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109121119.htm Remains Of Minoan-Style Painting Discovered During Excavations of Canaanite Palace, ScienceDaily, 7 December 2009]</ref> Minoan techniques and styles in ceramics also provided models, of fluctuating influence, for [[Helladic period|Helladic Greece]]. Along with the familiar example of [[Santorini|Thera]], Minoan "colonies" can be found first at [[Kastri]] on [[Cythera]], an island close to the Greek mainland that came under Minoan influence in the mid-third millennium (EMII) and remained Minoan in culture for a thousand years, until Mycenaean occupation in the 13th century. The use of the term "colony", however, like "thalassocracy", has been criticized in recent years.<ref>Hägg and Marinatos 1984; Hardy (ed.) 1984; Broadbank 2004</ref> The Minoan strata there replace a mainland-derived culture in the Early Bronze Age, the earliest Minoan settlement outside Crete.<ref>J. N. Coldstream and G. L. Huxley, ''Kythera: Excavations and Studies Conducted by the University of Pennsylvania Museum and the British School at Athens'' (London: Faber & Faber) 1972.</ref> The [[Cyclades]] were in the Minoan cultural orbit, and, closer to Crete, the islands of [[Karpathos]], [[Saros]] and [[Kasos]], also contained Minoan colonies, or settlements of Minoan traders, from the Middle Bronze Age (MMI-II); most of them were abandoned in LMI, but Minoan Karpathos recovered and continued with a Minoan culture until the end of the Bronze Age.<ref>E. M. Melas, ''The Islands of Karpathos, Saros and Kasos in the Neolithic and Bronze Age'' (Studies in Mediterranean archaeology '''68''') (Göteburg) 1985.</ref> Other supposed Minoan colonies, such as that hypothesised by [[Adolf Furtwängler]] for [[Aegina]], were later dismissed.<ref>James Penrose Harland, ''Prehistoric Aigina: A History of the Island in the Bronze Age'', ch. V. (Paris) 1925.</ref> There was a Minoan colony at [[Ialysos]] on [[Rhodes]].<ref>Arne Furumark, "The settlement at Ialysos and Aegean history c. 1500-1400 B.B.", in ''Opuscula archaeologica'' '''6''' (Lund) 1950;T. Marketou, "New Evidence on the Topography and Site History of Prehistoric Ialysos." in Soren Dietz and Ioannis Papachristodoulou (eds.), ''Archaeology in the Dodecanese'' (1988:28-31).</ref> Minoan cultural influence indicates an orbit that extended not only throughout the [[Cyclades]] (so-called ''Minoanisation''), but in locations such as Egypt and Cyprus. Paintings from the 15th century BC, in [[Thebes, Egypt]] depict a number of individuals that are Minoan in appearance bearing gifts. Inscriptions record these people as coming from ''Keftiu'', or the "islands in the midst of the sea", and may refer to gift-bringing merchants or officials from Crete.<ref>Dickinson, O (1994) Pg. 248</ref> Certain locations within Crete emphasize it as an "outward looking"{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}} society. The Neopalatial site of [[Kato Zakros]], for instance, is located within 100 metres of the modern shore-line, situated within a bay. Its large number of workshops and the richness of its site materials indicate a potential 'entrepôt' for import and export. Such activities are elaborated in artistic representations of the sea, including the 'Flotilla' fresco from room 5, in the west house at Akrotiri. ==Society and culture== [[File:Knossos fresco women.jpg|thumb|300px|Fresco showing three women who were possibly [[Queen consort|Queen]]s.]] The Minoans were primarily a [[mercantile]] people engaged in overseas trade. Their culture, from 1700 BC onward, shows a high degree of organization. Many historians and archaeologists believe{{Who|date=October 2008}} that the Minoans were involved in the Bronze Age's important [[tin]] trade: tin, alloyed with [[copper]] apparently from [[Cyprus]], was used to make [[bronze]]. The decline of Minoan civilization and the decline in use of bronze tools in favor of iron ones seem to be correlated. The Minoan trade in [[saffron]], the stigma of a mutated [[crocus]] which originated in the Aegean basin as a natural chromosome mutation, has left fewer material remains: a fresco of saffron-gatherers at [[Santorini]] is well-known. This inherited trade pre-dated Minoan civilization: a sense of its rewards may be gained by comparing its value to [[frankincense]], or later, to [[black pepper|pepper]]. Archaeologists{{Who|date=October 2008}} tend to emphasize the more durable items of trade: ceramics, copper, and tin, and dramatic luxury finds of [[gold]] and [[silver]]. Objects of Minoan manufacture suggest there was a network of trade with mainland [[Greece]] (notably [[Mycenae]]), [[Cyprus]], [[Syria]], [[Anatolia]], [[Egypt]], [[Mesopotamia]], and westward as far as the coast of [[Spain]]. <!--Spanish Minoan site should be mentioned here--> Minoan men wore [[loincloth]]s and [[kilt]]s. Women wore [[robe]]s that had short sleeves and layered flounced skirts. These were open to the navel allowing their breasts to be left exposed, perhaps during ceremonial occasions.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}} Women also had the option of wearing a strapless fitted [[bodice]]. The patterns on clothes emphasized [[symmetry|symmetrical]] geometric designs. It must be remembered that other forms of dress may have been worn of which we have no record. The [[Minoan religion]] focused on female deities, with females officiating.<ref>Patricia Rosof ''[http://books.google.com/books?id=wn1d4KDS7a4C Family History]'' p.12</ref> The statues of [[priest]]esses in Minoan culture and frescoes showing men and women participating in the same sports such as [[bull-leaping]], lead some archaeologists to believe that men and women held equal social status. Inheritance is thought to have been matrilineal. {{Citation needed|date=January 2011}} The frescos include many depictions of people, with the genders distinguished by colour: the men's skin is reddish-brown, the women's white. Concentration of wealth played a large role in the structure of society. Multiroom constructions were discovered in even the ‘poor’ areas of town, revealing a social equality and even distribution of wealth. == Language and writing == [[File:Disque de Phaistos A.jpg|thumb|300px|Unknown signs on the [[Phaistos Disc]].]] Knowledge of the spoken and written language of the Minoans is scant, due to the small number of records found. Around 3000<ref>Hood, Sinclair. “The Minoans: Crete in the Bronze Age”. Thames and Hudson, 1971, pg.114</ref>clay tablets have been found with the various Cretan scripts. Clay tablets seem to have been used from around 3000 BC or earlier. Two clay cups from Knossos have been found with remnants of ink; and inkwells, similar to the animal-shaped inkstands from Mesopotamia, have also been found.<ref name="Hood, Sinclair 1971, pg.111">Hood, Sinclair. “The Minoans: Crete in the Bronze Age”. Thames and Hudson, 1971, pg.111</ref> Sometimes, the Minoan language is referred to as [[Eteocretan language|Eteocretan]], but this presents confusion between the language written in [[Linear A|Linear A scripts]] and the language written in a [[History of the Alphabet|Euboean]]-derived alphabet after the [[Greek Dark Ages]]. While the Eteocretan language is believed to be a descendant of Minoan, there is not enough source material in either language to allow conclusions. The earliest writing found on Crete is [[Cretan hieroglyphs|Cretan hieroglyphic]] system. It is not known whether this language is Minoan, and scholars often debate its origin. These hieroglyphs are often associated with the Egyptians but also appear related to several other writings from the Mesopotamian region.<ref name="Hood, Sinclair 1971, pg.111"/> The hieroglyphs came into use from MMI and were in parallel use with the emerging Linear A from the 18th century BC (MM II) and disappeared during the 17th century BCE (MM III). In the [[Mycenean period]], Linear A was replaced by Linear B, recording a very archaic version of the [[Greek language]]. Linear B was successfully deciphered by [[Michael Ventris]] in 1952, but the earlier scripts remain a mystery. The overwhelming majority of tablets are written in the [[Linear B]] script, apparently being inventories of goods or resources. Others are inscriptions on religious objects associated with [[Cult (religion)|cult]]{{Which?|date=February 2009}}. Because most of these inscriptions are concise economic records rather than dedicatory inscriptions, the translation of Minoan remains a challenge. Unless [[Eteocretan]] truly is its descendant, it is perhaps during the [[Greek Dark Ages]], a time of economic and socio-political collapse, that the Minoan language became extinct.{{Citation needed|date=October 2008}} ==Art== [[File:Knossos bull.jpg|thumb|300px|A [[Bull-Leaping Fresco|fresco]] found at the Minoan site of Knossos, indicating a sport or ritual of "bull leaping", the red skinned figure is a man and the two light skinned figures are women.]] The collection of Minoan art is in the museum at [[Heraklion]], near Knossos on the north shore of Crete. Minoan art, with other remains of [[material culture]], especially the sequence of ceramic styles, has allowed archaeologists to define the three phases of Minoan culture (EM, MM, LM) discussed above. Since wood and textiles have vanished through decomposition, the best preserved, and so most easily learned from, surviving examples of Minoan art are [[Minoan pottery]], the palace architecture with its [[fresco]]s that include landscapes, [[stone carving]]s, and intricately carved [[Minoan seal-stones|seal stones]]. ===Pottery=== {{Main|Minoan pottery}} In the Early Minoan period ceramics were characterised by linear patterns of [[spiral]]s, [[triangle]]s, curved lines, [[cross]]es, [[fishbone]] motifs, and like. In the Middle Minoan period naturalistic designs such as [[fish]], [[squid]], [[bird]]s, and [[lily|lilies]] were common. In the Late Minoan period, flowers and animals were still the most characteristic, but the variability had increased. The 'palace style' of the region around Knossos is characterised by a strong [[geometric]] simplification of [[naturalism (art)|naturalistic]] shapes and [[monochrome|monochromatic]] paintings. Very noteworthy are the similarities between Late Minoan and [[Mycenaean Greece|Mycenaean]] art. Frescoes were the main form of art during these time of the Minoan culture. <gallery heights="120"|right> File:AMI - Kamaresvase 1.jpg|Spouted vessel, 2100-1700 BC. File:AMI - Oktopusvase.jpg|Vase with typical octopus motif, 1500 BC. (Old Palace Period) File:Minoan Ceramic - Can.jpg|Vase, Marine Style, 1500 BC. (New Palace Period) File:Minoische Keramik - Kannen02.jpg|Cans, 1390-1070 BC. (Final Palace Period) </gallery> ==Religion== {{Main|Minoan religion}} [[File:Snake Goddess Crete 1600BC.jpg|thumb|220px|"[[Snake Goddess]]" or a priestess performing a ritual.]] The Minoans seem to have worshipped primarily goddesses, which has sometimes been described as a "[[matriarchal religion]]".<ref>See Castleden 1994{{Page needed|date=December 2010}}; Goodison and Morris 1998;{{Page needed|date=December 2010}} N. Marinatos 1993{{Page needed|date=December 2010}}</ref> Although there is some evidence of male gods, depictions of Minoan goddesses vastly outnumber depictions of anything that could be considered a Minoan god. While some of these depictions of women are speculated to be images of worshippers and priestesses officiating at religious ceremonies, as opposed to the deity herself, there still seem to be several goddesses including a [[Mother Goddess]] of [[fertility rite|fertility]], a [[Mistress of the Animals]], a protectress of [[City|cities]], the [[Home|household]], the [[harvest]], and the [[underworld]], and more. Some<ref>[[Robert Graves]]; "[[The Greek Myths]]", "[[The White Goddess]]"</ref> have argued that these are all aspects of a single [[Great Goddess]]. They are often represented by [[Serpent (symbolism)|serpents]], birds, poppies, and a somewhat vague shape of an animal upon the head. A major festive celebration was exemplified in the famous athletic [[Bull-leaping|Minoan bull dance]], represented at large in the frescoes of Knossos<ref>In the small courtyard of the east wing of the palace of Knossos.</ref> and inscribed in miniature seals.<ref>An ivory figure reproduced by Spyridon Marinatos and Max Hirmer, ''Crete and Mycenae'' (New York) 1960, fig. 97, also shows the bull dance movement.</ref> The Minoan horn-topped altars, since [[Arthur Evans|Evans]]' time conventionally called "[[Horns of Consecration]]" are represented in seal impressions, and survive in examples as far afield as Cyprus. Minoan sacred symbols include the [[Bull (mythology)|bull]] and its horns of consecration, the [[labrys]] (double-headed axe), the [[column|pillar]], the serpent, the sun-disk, and the [[tree]]. However, recently a completely different interpretation of these symbols, focusing on [[apiculture]] instead of religious significance, has been suggested.<ref>Haralampos V. Harissis, Anastasios V. Harissis. ''Apiculture in the Prehistoric Aegean.Minoan and Mycenaean Symbols Revisited'' British Archaeological Reports S1958, 2009 ISBN 978-1-4073-0454-0</ref> [[File:The Bull Leaper Knossos 1500BC.jpg|thumb|left|220px|The bull leaper from Knossos ([[Heraklion Archaeological Museum]])]] Evidence that suggests the Minoans may have performed human sacrifice has been found at three sites: (1) [[Anemospilia]], in a MMII building near Mt. Juktas, interpreted as a temple, (2) an EMII sanctuary complex at [[Fournou Korifi]] in south central Crete, and (3) [[Knossos]], in an LMIB building known as the "North House. (''[[Minoan_civilization#Chronology_and_history|explanation of abbreviations]]'') Like much of the archaeology of the Bronze Age, burial remains constitute much of the material and archaeological evidence for the period. By the end of the Second Palace Period Minoan burial practice is dominated by two broad forms: 'Circular Tombs', or ''Tholoi'', (located in South Crete) and 'House Tombs', (located in the north and the east). Of course, there are many trends and patterns within Minoan mortuary practice that do not conform to this simple breakdown. Over all, inhumation was the most popular form of burial, cremation does not seem to have been a popular means of burial in Bronze Age Crete.<ref>Sinclair Hood (1971) "The Minoans; the story of Bronze Age Crete" pp. 140</ref> Throughout this period there is a trend towards individual burials, with some distinguished exceptions. These include the much-debated Chrysolakkos complex, Mallia, consisting of a number of buildings forming a complex. This is located in the centre of Mallia's burial area and may have been the focus for burial rituals, or the 'crypt' for a notable family. ==Warfare and "The Minoan Peace"== [[File:NAMA Akrotiri 2.jpg|thumb|220px|Children [[boxing]] in a fresco on the island of [[Santorini]].]] Though the vision created by [[Arthur Evans]] of a '''pax Minoica''', a "Minoan peace", has been criticised in recent years,<ref>Alexiou wrote of fortifications and acropolises in Minoan Crete, in ''Kretologia'' '''8''' (1979), pp 41-56, and especially in C.G. Starr, "Minoan flower-lovers" in ''The Minoan Thalassocracy: Myth and Reality'' R. Hägg and N. Marinatos, eds. (Stockholm) 1994, pp 9-12.</ref> it is generally assumed there was little internal armed conflict in Minoan Crete itself, until the following Mycenaean period.<ref>W.-B. Niemeier, "Mycenaean Knossos and the Age of Linear B", ''Studi micenei ed egeoanatolici'' 1982:275.</ref> As with much of Minoan Crete, however, it is hard to draw any obvious conclusions from the evidence. However, new excavations keep sustaining interest and documenting the impact around the Aegean.<ref>[http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_ell_2_24/01/2007_79258 Ekathimerini.com | Pax Minoica in Aegean<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Despite having found ruined watchtowers and fortification walls,<ref>Gere, "Knossos and the Prophets of Modernism"</ref> Evans argued that there was little evidence for ancient Minoan fortifications. But as S. Alexiou has pointed out (in ''Kretologia'' 8), a number of sites, especially Early and Middle Minoan sites such as Aghia Photia, are built on hilltops or are otherwise fortified. As Lucia Nixon said, "...we may have been over-influenced by the lack of what we might think of as solid fortifications to assess the archaeological evidence properly. As in so many other instances, we may not have been looking for evidence in the right places, and therefore we may not end with a correct assessment of the Minoans and their ability to avoid war.".<ref>Nixon, "Changing Views of Minoan Society," in ''Minoan Society'' ed L. Nixon.</ref> Chester Starr points out in "Minoan Flower Lovers" (Hagg-Marinatos eds. Minoan Thalassocracy) that [[Shang dynasty|Shang China]] and the [[Maya civilization|Maya]] both had unfortified centers and yet still engaged in frontier struggles, so that itself cannot be enough to definitively show the Minoans were a peaceful civilization unparalleled in history. In 1998, however, when Minoan archaeologists met in a conference in Belgium to discuss the possibility that the idea of Pax Minoica was outdated, the evidence for Minoan war proved to be scanty. Archaeologist Jan Driessen, for example, said the Minoans frequently show 'weapons' in their art, but only in ritual contexts, and that "The construction of fortified sites is often assumed to reflect a threat of warfare, but such fortified centres were multifunctional; they were also often the embodiment or material expression of the central places of the territories at the same time as being monuments glorifying and merging leading power" (Driessen 1999, p.&nbsp;16). On the other hand, Stella Chryssoulaki's work on the small outposts or 'guard-houses' in the east of the island represent possible elements of a defensive system. Claims that they produced no weapons are erroneous; type A Minoan swords (as found in palaces of Mallia and Zarkos) were the finest in all of the Aegean (See Sanders, AJA 65, 67, Hoeckmann, JRGZM 27, or Rehak and Younger, AJA 102). Keith Branigan claimed that 95% of so-called Minoan weapons possessed hafting (hilts, handles) that would have prevented their use as weapons (Branigan, 1999); more recent experimental testing of accurate replicas has shown this to be incorrect as these weapons were capable of cutting flesh down to the bone (and scoring the bone's surface) without any damage to the weapons themselves. Archaeologist Paul Rehak maintains that Minoan figure-eight shields could not have been used for fighting or even hunting, since they were too cumbersome (Rehak, 1999). And archaeologist Jan Driessen says the Minoans frequently show 'weapons' in their art, but only in ritual contexts (Driessen 1999). Finally, archaeologist Cheryl Floyd concludes that Minoan "weapons" were merely tools used for mundane tasks such as meat-processing (Floyd, 1999). However, this theory is thrown into question by evidence of "rapiers nearly three feet in length"<ref>[Hood, S. The Minoans. 1971. Thames and Hudson Ltd: London]</ref> dated to the Middle Minoan period. About Minoan warfare, Branigan concludes that "The quantity of weaponry, the impressive fortifications, and the aggressive looking long-boats all suggested an era of intensified hostilities. But on closer inspection there are grounds for thinking that all three key elements are bound up as much with status statements, display, and fashion as with aggression.... Warfare such as there was in the southern Aegean EBA [[early Bronze Age]] was either personalized and perhaps ritualized (in Crete) or small-scale, intermittent and essentially an economic activity (in the Cyclades and the Argolid/Attica) " (1999, p.&nbsp;92). Archaeologist Krzyszkowska concurs: "The stark fact is that for the prehistoric Aegean we have no direct evidence for war and warfare per se" (Krzyszkowska, 1999). Furthermore, no evidence exists for a Minoan army, or for Minoan domination of peoples outside Crete. Few signs of warfare appear in Minoan art. "Although a few archaeologists see war scenes in a few pieces of Minoan art, others interpret even these scenes as festivals, sacred dance, or sports events" (Studebaker, 2004, p.&nbsp;27). Although armed warriors are depicted being stabbed in the throat with swords, violence may occur in the context of ritual or blood sport. Although on the Mainland of Greece at the time of the Shaft Graves at Mycenae, there is little evidence for major fortifications among the Mycenaeans there (the famous citadels post-date the destruction of almost all Neopalatial Cretan sites), the constant warmongering of other contemporaries of the ancient Minoans – the Egyptians and Hittites, for example – is well documented. ==Architecture== The Minoan cities were connected with stone-paved [[road]]s, formed from blocks cut with bronze [[saw]]s. Streets were drained and water and [[sanitary sewer|sewer]] facilities were available to the upper class, through [[clay]] pipes. Minoan buildings often had flat tiled roofs; [[plaster]], wood, or [[flagstone]] [[floor]]s, and stood two to three storeys high. Typically the lower [[wall]]s were constructed of stone and [[rubble]], and the upper walls of [[mudbrick]]. Ceiling timbers held up the roofs. The materials used in constructing the villas and palaces varied, and could include sandstone, gypsum, or limestone. Equally, building techniques could also vary between different constructions; some palaces used ashlar masonry while others used roughly hewn megalithic blocks. ===Palaces=== [[File:Palace of Knossus.jpg|thumb|300px|Ruins of the palace at Knossos.]] [[File:Knossos frise pieuvre edit.jpg|thumb|300px|Fresco from the "Palace of Minos", [[Knossos]], Crete.]] [[File:Knossos Poterie 2.JPG|thumb|300px|Storage jars in Knossos.]] The first palaces were constructed at the end of the Early Minoan period in the third millennium BC ([[Malia]]). While it was formerly believed that the foundation of the first palaces was synchronous and dated to the Middle Minoan at around 2000 BC (the date of the first palace at Knossos), scholars now think that palaces were built over a longer period in different locations, in response to local developments. The main older palaces are Knossos, Malia, and Phaistos. Some of the elements recorded in the Middle Minoan 'palaces' (Knossos, Phaistos and Mallia, for example) have precedents in earlier styles of construction in the Early Minoan period.<ref>D. Preziosi and L.A. Hitchcock ''Aegean Art and Architecture'' pg.48-9, [[Oxford University Press]] (1999)</ref> These include the indented western court, and the special treatment given to the western façade. An example of this is seen at the "House on the Hill" at Vasiliki, dated to the Early Minoan II period. The palaces fulfilled a plethora of functions: they served as centres of [[government]], administrative offices, [[shrine]]s, workshops, and storage spaces (e.g., for grain). These distinctions might have seemed artificial to Minoans. The use of the term 'palace' for the older palaces, meaning a dynastic residence and seat of power, has recently come under criticism (see [[Palace]]), and the term 'court building' has been proposed instead. However, the original term is probably too well entrenched to be replaced. Architectural features such as [[ashlar]] masonry, [[orthostat]]s, columns, open courts, staircases (implying upper stories), and the presence of diverse basins have been used to define palatial architecture. Often the conventions of better-known, younger palaces have been used to reconstruct older ones, but this practice may be obscuring fundamental functional differences. Most older palaces had only one story and no representative façades. They were U-shaped, with a big central court, and generally were smaller than later palaces. Late palaces are characterised by multi-storey buildings. The west façades had sandstone ashlar masonry. Knossos is the best-known example. See [[Knossos]]. Further building conventions could include storage magazines, a north-south orientation, a pillar room, a Minoan Hall system, a western court, and pier-and-door entrance ways. Palatial architecture in the First Palace Period is identified by its 'square within a square' style, whilst later, Second Palace Period constructions incorporated more internal divisions and corridors.<ref>Peziosi, D & L.A. Hitchcock (1999) Pg. 121</ref> It's a common architectural standard among the Middle Minoan 'palaces' that they are aligned with their surrounding topography. The MM palatial structure of Phaistos appears to align with Mount Ida, whilst Knossos is aligned with Juktas.<ref>Preziosi, D & Hitchcock, L.A. (1999) pg. 86</ref> These are oriented along a north-south axis. One suggested reason for this is the ritual significance of the mountain, where a number of Peak Sanctuaries (spaces for public ritual) have been excavated (i.e., Petsophas). The material record for these sites show clusters of clay figurines and evidence of animal sacrifice. ===Columns=== One of the most notable contributions of Minoans to architecture is their unique column, which was wider at the top than the bottom. It is called an 'inverted' column because most Greek columns are wider at the bottom, creating an illusion of greater height. The columns were also made of wood as opposed to stone, and were generally painted red. They were mounted on a simple stone base and were topped with a pillow-like, round piece as a capital.<ref>Benton and DiYanni 1998, p. 67.</ref><ref>Bourbon 1998, p 34</ref> <!--believed by whom? It is believed that the original reason for the columns being wider at the top was that stripped tree trunks were used at the time; erecting them upside down was meant to ensure that the tree would not take root again and destroy the floor and ceiling structures.--> ===Villas=== A number of compounds interpreted as 'Villas' have been excavated in Crete. These structures share many features with the central Palaces (i.e., a conspicuous western façade, storage facilities, and a 'Minoan Hall') of the Neopalatial era, and may indicate either that they performed a similar rôle, or that they were artistic imitations, suggesting that their occupants were familiar with palatial culture. These villas are often richly decorated (see the frescos of Haghia Triadha Villa A). ==Agriculture and subsistence== The Minoans raised [[cow|cattle]], [[sheep]], [[pig]]s, and [[goat]]s, and grew [[wheat]], [[barley]], [[vetch]], and [[chickpea]]s, they also cultivated [[grape]]s, [[ficus|fig]]s, and [[olive]]s, and grew [[poppy|poppies]], for poppyseed and, perhaps, opium. The Minoans also domesticated [[bee]]s.<ref name="Sinclair Hood 1971">Sinclair Hood (1971) "The Minoans; the story of Bronze Age Crete"</ref> Crops including lettuce, celery, asparagus and carrots grow wild in Crete, while some produce was native, such as pears, quinces, and olive trees. They also imported date palm trees, and cats (used for hunting purposes) from Egypt <ref>Sinclair Hood (1971) "The Minoans; the story of Bronze Age Crete" p.87</ref> and adopted [[pomegranate]]s and [[quince]]s from the Near East, although not [[lemon]]s and [[orange (fruit)|oranges]] as is often imagined. They developed Mediterranean polyculture,<ref>However, it has been doubted recently that the systematic exploitation within a Polyculture model was employed at Crete (Hamilakis, Y (2007) [http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119953774/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0 Wiley.com]</ref> the practice of growing more than one crop at a time, and as a result of their more varied and healthy diet, the population increased. This method of farming would theoretically maintain the fertility of the soil, as well as offering protection against low yields in any single crop. Furthermore, Linear B tablets indicate the importance of orchard farming (i.e., figs, olives and grapes) in processing crops for "secondary products".<ref>Sherratt, A. (1981) ''Plough and pastoralism: aspects of the secondary products revolution''</ref> Olive oil in the Cretan diet (or more largely, the Mediterranean diet) is comparable to butter in the Northern diet.<ref>Sinclair Hood (1971) "The Minoans; the story of Bronze Age Crete" pp. 86</ref> The process of fermenting wine from grapes is likely to have been a concern of the "Palace" economies, whereby such prestige goods would have been both important trade commodities as well as culturally meaningful items of consumption.<ref>Hamilakis, Y (1999) ''Food technologies/technologies of the body: the social context of wine and oil production and consumption in Bronze Age Crete'' [http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=2023344]</ref> Equally, it is likely that the consumption of exotic or expensive products would have played a role in the presentation and articulation of political and economic power. Farmers used wooden [[plow]]s, bound by leather to wooden handles, and pulled by pairs of [[donkey]]s or [[ox]]en. The importance of marine resources in the [[Cretan diet]] is equally important to consider: the prevalence of edible molluscs in site material,<ref>Dickinson, O (1994) ''The Aegean Bronze Age'' pg. 28)</ref> and the artistic representations of marine fish and animals, including the distinctive "Octopus" stirrup jar (LM IIIC), indicate an appreciation and occasional use of fish within the economy. However, doubt remains over the functional significance of these resources in the wider Cretan diet, especially in relation to grain, olives and animal produce. Indeed, the intensification of agricultural activity is indicated by the construction of terraces and dams at Pseira in the Late Minoan period. The Cretan diet consisted of wild animals roaming the island. Cretans ate wild deer and boar along with the meats made available to them by their livestock. Wild game can no longer be found on Crete.<ref>Sinclair Hood (1971) "The Minoans; the story of Bronze Age Crete" pp. 83</ref> Not all plants and flora would have a purely functional or economic utility. Artistic depictions often show scenes of lily gathering and performances within 'green' spaces. The fresco known as the "Sacred Grove" at Knossos, for instance, depicts a number of female figures facing towards the left-hand-side of the scene, flanked by a copse of trees. Some scholars have suggested that these depictions represent the performance of 'harvest festivals' or ceremonies, as a means to honour the continued fertility of the soil. Further artistic depictions of farming scenes are observed on the Second Palace Period "Harvester Vase" (an egg-shaped ''rhyton'', or pouring vessel), where 27 male figures, led by another, each carry hoes. This suggests the importance of farming as an artistic motif. Much debate has been animated by the discovery of storage magazines within the palace compounds. At the second 'palace' at Phaistos, for instance, a range of rooms in the western side of the structure have been identified as a magazine block. Within these storage areas have been recovered numerous jars, jugs and vessels, indicating the role of the complex as a potential re-distribution centre of agricultural produce. Several possibilities may be suggested, including a model where all economic and agricultural produce was controlled by the Palace and re-distributed by it. At sites such as Knossos, where the town had developed to a considerable size, there is evidence of craft specialisation, indicating workshops. The Palace of Kato Zakro, for instance, indicates workshops that were integrated into the structure of the palace. Such evidence contributes to the idea that the Minoan palatial system developed through economic intensification, where greater agricultural surplus could support a population of administrators, craftsmen and religious practitioners. The number of domestic, or sleeping, chambers at the Palaces indicate that they could have supported a large population of individuals who were removed from manual labour. ===Evolution of agricultural tools in Minoan Crete=== Originally the tools were made of wood or bone, and bound together to the handle with leather straps. During the [[Bronze Age]] the tools were upgraded to [[bronze]], with wooden handles. Due to its circular hole the tool would spin around on its handle, so the Minoans invented oval shaped holes in their tools with oval shapped handles, this stopped the tools from being able to spin.<ref name="Sinclair Hood 1971"/> Tools List: *Double [[Adze]] *Double [[Axe]] *Single-Bladed [[Axe]] *[[Axe]]-[[Adze]] *[[Sickle]] *[[Chisel]] ==Minoan demise theories== {{Main|Minoan eruption}} The [[Minoan eruption]] on the island of [[Santorini|Thera]] (present-day [[Santorini]] about 100&nbsp;km distant from Crete) occurred during the LM&nbsp;IA period. This eruption was among the largest volcanic explosions in the history of civilization, ejecting approximately 60&nbsp;km³ of material and rating a 6 on the [[Volcanic Explosivity Index]].<ref name=URI06>{{cite web|url=http://www.uri.edu/news/releases/?id=3654|title=Santorini eruption much larger than originally believed|year=2006|accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref><ref name="McCoy2002">{{cite conference|author=McCoy, FW, & Dunn, SE|title=Modelling the Climatic Effects of the LBA Eruption of Thera: New Calculations of Tephra Volumes May Suggest a Significantly Larger Eruption than Previously Reported|booktitle=Chapman Conference on Volcanism and the Earth's Atmosphere |url=http://www.agu.org/meetings/cc02babstracts/McCoy.pdf|publisher=American Geographical Union|year=2002|location=Thera, Greece|accessdate=2007-05-29|format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="Sigurdsson">{{cite journal |author= Sigurdsson H, Carey, S, Alexandri M, Vougioukalakis G, Croff K, Roman C, Sakellariou D, Anagnostou C, Rousakis G, Ioakim C, Gogou A, Ballas D, Misaridis T, & Nomikou P |year = 2006 |title= Marine Investigations of Greece's Santorini Volcanic Field |journal= Eos |volume= 87 |issue= 34 |pages= 337–348 |url=http://www.uri.edu/endeavor/thera/EOS.pdf |format= &ndash;^{[http://scholar.google.co.uk/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=intitle%3AMarine+Investigations+of+Greece%27s+Santorini+Volcanic+Field&as_publication=Eos&as_ylo=2006&as_yhi=2006&btnG=Search Scholar search]}| doi = 10.1029/2006EO340001 |bibcode=2006EOSTr..87..337S}} {{Dead link|date=June 2008}}</ref> The eruption devastated the nearby Minoan settlement at [[Akrotiri (Santorini)|Akrotiri]] on Santorini, which was entombed in a layer of [[pumice]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Ye gods! Ancient volcano could have blasted Atlantis myth |last=Vergano |first=Dan |date=2006-08-27 |publisher= USA Today |url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/columnist/vergano/2006-08-27-ancient-volcano_x.htm |accessdate=2008-03-09}}</ref> Also, it has been suggested that the eruption and its effect on the Minoan civilization was the origin of the [[Atlantis]] myth, via Egyptian historical accounts. It's further believed that the eruption severely affected the Minoan culture on Crete, although the precise extent of the impact has been debated. Early theories proposed that ashfall from Thera on the eastern half of Crete choked off plant life, causing starvation of the local population.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Marinatos, S | year = 1939 | title = The Volcanic Destruction of Minoan Crete | journal = Antiquity | volume = 13 | issue = | pages = 425–439 }}</ref> However, after more thorough field examinations, this theory has lost credibility, as it has been determined that no more than {{convert|5|mm|in}} of ash fell anywhere on Crete.<ref>{{cite book|author=Callender, G|year=1999|title=The Minoans and the Mycenaeans: Aegean Society in the Bronze Age|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn= 0195510283}}</ref> Recent studies indicate, based on archaeological evidence found on Crete, that a massive [[tsunami]], generated by the Theran eruption, devastated the coastal areas of Crete and destroyed many Minoan coastal settlements.<ref name=SinkingAtlantis>[http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/?p=71], SecretsoftheDead</ref><ref name=BBCWave>{{cite web |last=Lilley |first=Harvey |date=20 April 2007 |title=The wave that destroyed Atlantis |publisher= BBC Timewatch |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6568053.stm |accessdate=2008-03-09}}</ref><ref name="Antonopoulos ">{{cite journal|author=Antonopoulos, J.|title=The great Minoan eruption of Thera volcano and the ensuing tsunami in the Greek Archipelago|journal=Natural Hazards|volume=5|year=1992|pages=153–168|doi=10.1007/BF00127003|issue=2}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Pareschi, MT, Favalli, M & Boschi, E|title=Impact of the Minoan tsunami of Santorini: Simulated scenarios in the eastern Mediterranean|journal=Geophysical Research Letters|volume=33|page=L1860|year=2006|doi=10.1029/2006GL027205 | pages = L18607|issue=18|bibcode=2006GeoRL..3318607P}}.</ref><ref name="LaMoreaux">{{cite journal|author=LaMoreaux, PE|year=1995|title=Worldwide environmental impacts from the eruption of Thera|journal=Environmental Geology|volume=26|issue=3|pages=172–181|doi=10.1007/BF00768739|bibcode=1995EnGeo..26..172L}}</ref> The LM IIIA (Late Minoan) period is marked by its affluence (i.e., wealthy tombs, burials and art) and the ubiquity of Knossian ceramic styles.<ref>Dickinson, O (1994) ''The Aegean Bronze Age'' pg. 22</ref> However, by LM IIIB the importance of Knossos as a regional centre, and its material 'wealth', seem to have declined. Significant Minoan remains have been found above the Late Minoan I era Thera ash layer, implying that the Thera eruption did not cause the immediate downfall of the Minoans. As the Minoans were a sea power and depended on their naval and merchant ships for their livelihood, the Thera eruption caused significant economic hardship to the Minoans. Whether these effects were enough to trigger the downfall of the Minoan civilization is under intense debate. The [[Mycenaean Greece|Mycenaean]] conquest of the Minoans occurred in Late Minoan II period. The Mycenaeans were a military civilization. Using their functional navy and a well equipped army they were capable of an invasion. There is evidence of Mycenaean weaponry being found in burials on Crete. This demonstrates Mycenaean military influence.<ref>Bruce Bowen: [http://bruceowen.com/worldprehist/3250s13.htm Mycenae and Minoan Crete], 2000,</ref> Not many years after the eruption, and many archaeologists speculate that the eruption induced a crisis in Minoan civilization, which allowed the Mycenaeans to conquer them easily.<ref name="Antonopoulos "/> Sinclair Hood writes that the destruction of the Minoans was most likely due to an invading force. Although the demise of the flourishing civilization was aided by the erupting volcano on Thera, the ultimate end came from outside conquerors. Archaeological evidence leads to the fact the destruction of the island appears to be due to fire damage. Hood notes that the palace at Knossos appears to have experienced less damage than other sites along the island of Crete. Because natural disasters do not choose targets, it is most likely that the destruction was a product of invaders, for invaders would have seen the usefulness of a palace center like Knossos.<ref>Sinclair Hood (1971) "The Minoans; the story of Bronze Age Crete" pp. 58</ref> Several authors have noted evidence for exceedance of [[carrying capacity]] by the Minoan civilization. For example, archaeological recovery at [[Knossos]] provides clear proof of [[deforestation]] of this part of Crete near late stages of Minoan development.<ref>Pendlebury, 2003</ref><ref>C. Michael Hogan, ''Knossos fieldnotes'', Modern Antiquarian (2007)</ref> ==See also== {{Commons category|Minoan civilization}} *[[Linear A]] *[[Peak sanctuaries]] *[[Sacred caves]] *[[Philistines]] *[[Atlantis#Crete and Santorini|Atlantis]] *[[Phaistos Disc]] *[[Hyksos]] *[[Herakleion Archaeological Museum]] *[[Cretan diet]] *[[Bull-Leaping Fresco]] {{Ancient Greece topics|state=collapsed}} ==Notes== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==References== <div class="references-small"> *Benton, Janetta Rebold and DiYanni, Robert. ''Arts and Culture: An Introduction to the Humanities.'' Volume 1. Prentice Hall. New Jersey, 1998. *Bourbon, F. ''Lost Civilizations''. Barnes and Noble, Inc. New York, 1998. *Branigan, Keith, 1970. ''The Foundations of Palatial Crete''. *Branigan, Keith, 1999. "The Nature of Warfare in the Southern Aegean During the Third Millennium B.C.," pp.&nbsp;87–94 In Laffineur, Robert, ed., ''Polemos: Le Contexte Guerrier en Egee a L'Age du Bronze. Actes de la 7e Rencontre egeenne internationale Universite de Liège, 1998.'' Universite de Liège, Histoire de l'art d'archeologie de la Grece antique. *Burkert, Walter, 1985. ''Greek Religion''. J. Raffan, trans. Cambridge: [[Harvard University Press]]. ISBN 0-674-36281-0 *Cadogan, Gerald, 1992, " Ancient and Modern Crete," in Myers et al., 1992, ''Aerial Atlas of Ancient Crete''. *{{Cite book | first=Rodney | last=Castleden | authorlink= | coauthors= | year=1993 | title=Minoans: Life in Bronze Age Crete | edition= | publisher=Routledge | location= | id=041508833X | isbn=0415040701 }} *Callender, Gae (1999) ''The Minoans and the Mycenaeans: Aegean Society in the Bronze Age'' Oxford university press, Victoria 3205, Australia *Dickinson, Oliver (1994; 2005 re-print) ''The Aegean Bronze Age'', Cambridge World Archaeology, Cambridge University Press. *Driessen, Jan, 1999."The Archaeology of Aegean Warfare," pp.&nbsp;11–20 in Laffineur, Robert, ed., ''Polemos: Le Contexte Guerrier en Egee a L'Age du Bronze. Actes de la 7e Rencontre egeenne internationale Universite de Liège, 1998.'' Universite de Liège, Histoire de l'art d'archeologie de la Grece antique. *[[Arthur Evans|Sir Arthur Evans]], 1921-35. ''The Palace of Minos: A Comparative Account of the Successive Stages of the Early Cretan Civilization as Illustrated by the Discoveries at Knossos'', 4 vols. in 6 (reissued 1964). *Floyd, Cheryl, 1999. "Observations on a Minoan Dagger from Chrysokamino," pp.&nbsp;433–442 In Laffineur, Robert, ed., ''Polemos: Le Contexte Guerrier en Egee a L'Age du Bronze. Actes de la 7e Rencontre egeenne internationale Universite de Liège, 1998.'' Universite de Liège, Histoire de l'art d'archeologie de la Grece antique. *Gates, Charles, 1999. "Why Are There No Scenes of Warfare in Minoan Art?" pp 277–284 In Laffineur, Robert, ed., ''Polemos: Le Contexte Guerrier en Egee a L'Age du Bronze. Actes de la 7e Rencontre egeenne internationale Universite de Liège, 1998.'' Universite de Liège, Histoire de l'art d'archeologie de la Grece antique. *Gere, Cathy. ''Knossos and the Prophets of Modernism'', [[University of Chicago Press]] 2009. *Hägg, R. and N. Marinatos, eds. ''The Minoan Thalassocracy: Myth and Reality'' (Stockholm) 1994. A summary of revived points-of-view of a Minoan thalassocracy, especially in LMI.. *Haralampos V. Harissis, Anastasios V. Harissis. ''Apiculture in the Prehistoric Aegean.Minoan and Mycenaean Symbols Revisited'' British Archaeological Reports S1958, 2009 ISBN 978-1-4073-0454-0. *{{Cite book | surname=Gesell | given=G.C. | year= 1983 | chapter=The Place of the Goddess in Minoan Society | editor=O. Krzyszkowska and L. Nixon | title=Minoan Society | edition= | publisher= | place=Bristol | url= | accessdate= | postscript=<!--None--> }} *[[Lucy Goodison|Goodison, Lucy]], and Christine Morris, 1998, "Beyond the Great Mother: The Sacred World of the Minoans," in Goodison, Lucy, and Christine Morris, eds., ''Ancient Goddesses: The Myths and the Evidence'', London: British Museum Press, pp.&nbsp;113–132. *Hawkes, Jacquetta, 1968. ''Dawn of the Gods.'' New York: Random House. ISBN 0-7011-1332-4 *Higgins, Reynold, 1981. ''Minoan and Mycenaean Art'', (revised edition). *Hogan, C. Michael, 2007. ''Knossos fieldnotes'', [http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/10854/knossos.html#fieldnotes Modern Antiquarian] *Hood, Sinclair, 1971, ''The Minoans: Crete in the Bronze Age''. London. *Hood, Sinclair, 1971. ''The Minoans: The Story of Bronze Age Crete'' *Hughes, Dennis, 1991. ''Human Sacrifice in Ancient Greece.'' Routledge: London. *Hutchinson, Richard W., 1962. ''Prehistoric Crete'' (reprinted 1968) *Kristiansen, Kristiansen & Larsson, Thomas B. (2005) ''The Rise of Bronze Age Society: Travels, Transmissions and Transformations'' Cambridge University Press *Krzszkowska, Olga, 1999. "So Where's the Loot? The Spoils of War and the Archaeological Record," pp.&nbsp;489–498 In Laffineur, Robert, ed., ''Polemos: Le Contexte Guerrier en Egee a L'Age du Bronze.'' ''Actes de la 7e Rencontre egeenne internationale Universite de Liège, 1998.'' Université de Liège, Histoire de l'art d'archeologie de la Grece antique. *Lapatin, Kenneth, 2002. ''Mysteries of the Snake Goddess: Art, Desire, and the Forging of History''. Boston: [[Houghton Mifflin]]. ISBN 0-306-81328-9 *Manning, S.W., 1995. "An approximate Minoan Bronze Age chronology" in A.B. Knapp, ed., ''The absolute chronology of the Aegean Early Bronze Age: Archaeology, radiocarbon and history'' (Appendix 8), in series ''Monographs in Mediterranean Archaeology'', Vol. 1 (Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press) A standard current Minoan chronology. *Marinatos, Nanno, 1993. ''Minoan Religion: Ritual, Image, and Symbol''. Columbia, SC: University of South Carolina Press. *[[Spyridon Marinatos|Marinatos, Spyridon]], 1960. ''Crete and Mycenae'' (originally published in Greek, 1959), photographs by Max Hirmer. *[[Spyridon Marinatos|Marinatos, Spyridon]], 1972. "Life and Art in Prehistoric Thera," in ''Proceedings of the British Academy'', vol 57. *[[H. E. L. Mellersh|Mellersh, H.E.L.]], 1967. ''Minoan Crete.'' New York, G.P. Putnam's Sons. *Nixon, L., 1983. "Changing Views of Minoan Society," in L. Nixon, ed. ''Minoan society: Proceedings of the Cambridge Colloquium, 1981.'' *Pendlebury, J.D.S., 2003. ''Handbook to the Palace of Minos at Knossos with Its Dependencies'', republication of earlier work with contributor Arthur Evans, [[Kessinger Publishing]], 112 pages ISBN 0-7661-3916-6 *Quigley, Carroll, 1961. ''The Evolution of Civilizations: An Introduction to Historical Analysis,'' Indianapolis: Liberty Press. * Papadopoulos, John K., "Inventing the Minoans: Archaeology, Modernity and the Quest for European Identity", ''Journal of Mediterranean Archaeology'' '''18''':1:87-149 (June 2005) * Pichler, H & Friedrich, W, L (1980) ''Mechanism of the Minoan Eruption of Santorini'', in ''Thera and the Aegean World'', vol.2, ed. C. Doumas, London *Preziosi, Donald & Hitchcock, Louise A. (1999) ''Aegean Art and Architecture'', Oxford History of Art series, Oxford University Press. *Rehak, Paul, 1999. "The Mycenaean 'Warrior Goddess' Revisited," pp.&nbsp;227–240, in Laffineur, Robert, ed. ''Polemos: Le Contexte Guerrier en Egee a L'Age du Bronze. Actes de la 7e Rencontre egeenne internationale Universite de Liège, 1998. Universite de Liège, Histoire de l'art d'archeologie de la Grece antique.'' *Schoep, Ilse, 2004. "Assessing the role of architecture in conspicuous consumption in the Middle Minoan I-II Periods." ''Oxford Journal of Archaeology'' vol 23/3, pp.&nbsp;243–269. *{{Cite journal | author= Sakellarakis, Y. and E. Sapouna-Sakellarakis| title= Drama of Death in a Minoan Temple | journal=National Geographic | year=1981 |volume=159 |issue=2 | pages= 205&ndash;222 | url= }} *Soles, Jeffrey S., 1992, ''The Prepalatial Cemeteries at Mochlos and Gournia and the House Tombs of Bronze Age Crete: And the House Tombs of Bronze Age Crete'', Published by ASCSA, 1992. *Warren P., Hankey V., 1989. ''Aegean Bronze Age Chronology'' (Bristol). *Watrous, L. Vance., 1991 ''The Origin and Iconography of the Late Minoan Painted Larnax'' in ''Hesperia, Vol. 60, No. 3 (Jul - Sep., 1991)'', pp.&nbsp;285–307 *Willetts, R. F., 1976 (1995 edition). ''The Civilization of Ancient Crete''. New York: [[Barnes & Noble Books]]. ISBN 1-84212-746-2 *Yule, Paul. ''Early Cretan Seals: A Study of Chronology''. Marburger Studien zur Vor- und Frühgeschichte 4, Mainz 1980'' ISBN 3-8053-0490-0 </div> ==External links== *[http://www.therafoundation.org/ Thera Foundation] *[http://www.uk.digiserve.com/mentor/minoan/ uk.digiserve.com], Photos and information on Minoan Crete archaeological sites. *[http://www.matala-holidays.gr/knossos.php matala-holidays.gr], Knossos. *[http://www.fotopedia.com/en/Minoan_civilization fotopedia.com], Selected photos related with the Minoan civilization. {{History of Crete}} {{Ancient Greece topics|state=collapsed}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Minoan Civilization}} [[Category:Minoan civilization]] [[Category:Pre-Indo-Europeans]] {{Link GA|de}} [[af:Minoïese beskawing]] [[ar:حضارة مينوسية]] [[zh-min-nan:Minos bûn-bêng]] [[be:Мінойская цывілізацыя]] [[be-x-old:Мінойская цывілізацыя]] [[bs:Minojska civilizacija]] [[bg:Минойска цивилизация]] [[ca:Civilització minoica]] [[cs:Mínojská civilizace]] [[cy:Gwareiddiad Minoaidd]] [[da:Minoisk kultur]] [[de:Minoische Kultur]] [[el:Μινωικός πολιτισμός]] [[es:Civilización minoica]] [[eo:Minoa civilizo]] [[eu:Zibilizazio minoiko]] [[fa:مینوسی‌ها]] [[fr:Civilisation minoenne]] [[fy:Minoyske beskaving]] [[gl:Civilización minoica]] [[ko:미노스 문명]] [[hi:मिनोआई सभ्यता]] [[hr:Minojska kultura]] [[id:Peradaban Minoa]] [[is:Mínóísk menning]] [[it:Civiltà minoica]] [[he:התרבות המינואית]] [[la:Cultura Minoica]] [[lb:Minoesch Kultur]] [[lt:Mino civilizacija]] [[hu:Minószi civilizáció]] [[arz:حضاره مينونيه]] [[nl:Minoïsche beschaving]] [[ja:ミノア文明]] [[no:Minoisk kultur]] [[nn:Den minoiske sivilisasjonen]] [[pl:Kultura minojska]] [[pt:Civilização minoica]] [[ru:Минойская цивилизация]] [[simple:Minoan civilization]] [[sk:Minojská kultúra]] [[sr:Минојска цивилизација]] [[fi:Minolainen kulttuuri]] [[sv:Minoisk konst]] [[tl:Kabihasnang Minoe]] [[th:อารยธรรมมิโนอัน]] [[tr:Girit Uygarlığı]] [[uk:Мінойська цивілізація]] [[zh:米诺斯文明]]'