Minoan civilization

The Minoan civilization was a civilization which flourished on the Greek island of Krete in the Bronze Age from 2700 to 1350 BCE. It was named by the archaeologist Arthur John Evans after king Minos.
History
The golden age of the Minoan civilization lasted from around 1700 BCE to around 1400 BCE was also called the Neopalatial period due to the building, destroying, and rebuilding of palaces, chief among them the Knossos Palace.[1]
Economy
This culture thrived on trade, and its influence extended over the eastern Mediterranean, usually through peaceful means.[1]
Cattle were valued, especially bulls, and they are mentioned in documents written in Linear B.[2]
Art
The Minoan civilization created its own writing modes, first using what is known as Linear A and then later Linear B, used to record things like business transactions. These were discovered by the archaeologist Arthur John Evans.[3]
A notable amount of Minoan art depicts bulls, the best known example being the Bull-Leaping Fresco, found on the wall of the Knossos Palace.[2]
End
After 1400 BCE, the Mycenaeans from the mainland Greece conquered Krete, and the Minoan palace centers collapsed, signalling the end of the Minoan civilization.[4]
Legacy and influence
Due to the extent of the Minoan civilization, it influenced the myths and histories of Greece in general. The Minotaur, 'bull of Minos', and the inhabitant of Daidalos' Labyrinth, lived on in Greek retellings into modern age.[5]
Trivia
- The fresco of cup-bearers is based on the Procession fresco found in Knossos.
- The mural featuring a griffin is based on the Griffin fresco found in Knossos.
Gallery
-
Knossos Palace, one of the most renowed Minoan sites
-
A Minoan mural featuring cup-bearers
-
A Minoan mural featuring a griffin, lions and antelopes
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (mentioned only)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – Discovery Tour – "Famous Cities" – Knossos: Minoan Civilization
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – Discovery Tour – "Famous Cities" – Knossos: The Birth of the Minotaur
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – Discovery Tour – "Famous Cities" – Knossos: Minoan Art
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – Discovery Tour – "Famous Cities" – Knossos: Knossos
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey