Introduction to Ancient Greek Cultures and Mycenaeans

Thera

An island in the Aegean Sea, now Santorini.

Crete

A large island, home to Minoan civilization.

Mycenae

An ancient Greek civilization known for palatial states.

Aegean Sea

Body of water between Greece and Turkey.

Cyclades

Group of islands in the Aegean Sea.

Akrotiri

Ancient settlement on Thera, buried by volcanic ash.

BCE

Before the Common Era, equivalent to BC.

CE

Common Era, equivalent to AD.

Volcanic eruption

Catastrophic event that buried Akrotiri in 1600 BCE.

Atlantis

Legendary island, possibly linked to Thera.

Pompeii

Ancient city buried by volcanic eruption in Italy.

Common Era

Modern dating system replacing BC/AD.

Geography

Study of places and the relationships between people.

Cultural impact

Influence of ancient civilizations on modern society.

Map usage

Visual representation of geographical areas for clarity.

Volcanic ash

Material ejected during a volcanic eruption.

Minoan civilization

Early civilization based on Crete, known for trade.

Palatial states

Large, complex structures serving as centers of power.

Aerial photo

Image taken from the air, showing geographical features.

Eruption timeline

Period marking significant volcanic activity in history.

Historical geography

Study of how geographic space influences historical events.

Cultural settlement

Community established by a specific civilization.

Ancient history

Study of past events before the Middle Ages.

Akrotiri

Ancient Minoan settlement on Santorini island.

Santorini

Popular tourist destination in Greece.

Whitewashed houses

Reflect sunlight and heat in coastal architecture.

Loulaki blue

Distinctive blue color of domes in Santorini.

Aegean Sea

Deep blue sea surrounding Santorini.

Greek flag colors

Blue and white symbolize Greece's national identity.

Excavations at Akrotiri

Ongoing archaeological work revealing ancient artifacts.

Sculpted figurines

Marble figures dating around 2500 BCE from Akrotiri.

Figurine height

Approximately 15 inches tall, stylized representations.

Painted figurines

Originally colorful, paint has faded over time.

Surrogates for deceased

Figurines possibly served as grave offerings.

Pablo Picasso

20th-century artist inspired by Akrotiri figurines.

Springtime Fresco

Famous mural from Akrotiri, dated around 1650 BCE.

Fresco technique

Mural painting on wet plaster for durability.

Durable frescoes

Withstood volcanic ash burial for over 3,000 years.

Saffron

Valuable product and export from Thera.

The Saffron Gatherer

Fresco depicting female saffron collector in Akrotiri.

Female fresco figures

Pale skin, contrasting with darker male figures.

Nature scenes

Frescoes depict landscapes and wildlife in Akrotiri.

Volcanic eruptions

Significant historical events affecting Akrotiri's preservation.

Colorful frescoes

Originally vibrant, now faded due to time.

Cultural significance

Artworks reflect Minoan civilization's values and aesthetics.

Unique dress

Distinctive clothing styles depicted in frescoes.

Excavation protection

Greece's efforts to preserve archaeological sites.

Flotilla Fresco

13ft long fresco depicting ships and canoes.

Dimensions of Flotilla Fresco

Approximately 13ft long and 1.5ft high.

Cycladic Islands

Islands where ships were central to culture.

Homer's Odyssey

Ancient text describing ships and sea voyages.

Ship Discovery

Recently found ship in Black Sea, 75ft long.

World's Oldest Shipwreck

Intact shipwreck preserved for over 2500 years.

Depth of Shipwreck

Resting at a depth of about one mile.

Preservation Factors

Lack of oxygen helped preserve the ship.

Fisherman Fresco

Well-preserved fresco representing fishing culture.

Mahi Mahi

Type of fish depicted in Fisherman Fresco.

Akrotiri

Site known for well-preserved frescoes.

Cultural Focus of Akrotiri

Emphasis on nature and individuals in art.

Crete

Largest island in the Aegean Sea.

Minoan Culture

First great European civilization on Crete.

Timeline of Minoans

Active from 2025 BCE to 1600 BCE.

Eruption of Thera

Volcanic eruption linked to Minoan decline.

Arthur Evans

Englishman who excavated Minoan city of Knossos.

Knossos

Ancient Minoan city excavated by Arthur Evans.

Minoan Decline

Sudden decline around 1600 BCE.

Cultural Differences

Minoans focused on nature, unlike Egyptians.

Olive Oil from Crete

Considered the finest in the world.

Minoan Art

Reflects daily life and nature.

Ship Features in Frescoes

Includes rigged masts, steering paddles, and sails.

Knossos

Site of significant Minoan archaeological excavations.

Sir Arthur Evans

Businessman who excavated Knossos, revealing Minoan artifacts.

Minoan culture

Sophisticated civilization known for advanced architecture.

Palace of Knossos

Central structure featuring a complex ground plan.

Central court

Large open area within the Palace of Knossos.

Magazines

Storage areas for olive oil, grain, and wine.

Pithoi

Giant storage jars for wet and dry consumables.

Labyrinth

Complex layout linked to the Minotaur myth.

Minotaur

Mythical creature, half man and half bull.

Grand staircase

Architectural feature for ventilation and light.

Cypress wood pillars

Unique Minoan columns, wider at the top.

Ventilation system

Sophisticated air circulation in multi-story structures.

Paved roads

Early example of road construction in Western culture.

Underground water system

Advanced plumbing for the Minoan civilization.

Social strata

Different social classes represented in architectural design.

Complex architecture

Intricate design reflecting advanced building techniques.

Human sacrifice

Gruesome aspect of the Minotaur myth.

Reconstruction

Modern interpretation of ancient Minoan structures.

Artifacts

Objects discovered that provide insight into Minoan life.

Aerial view

Bird's-eye perspective of the ruins of Knossos.

Western cultures

Civilizations influenced by Minoan advancements.

Sophisticated complex

Highly developed urban planning and architecture.

Archaeological excavations

Systematic digging to uncover historical sites.

Queen's Megaron

A room also known as Dolphin Sanctuary.

Modern Interpretations

Paintings based on existing archaeological evidence.

Minoan Sea Life

Sea life and landscapes were culturally significant.

Evans' Decorations

Evans decorated rooms based on archaeological findings.

Throne Room

Room containing what appears to be a throne.

King Minos

Legendary king associated with the throne.

First Western Throne

Potentially the first throne in Western culture.