Minoans: Introduction and General Concepts

Map of Crete showing the locations of Minoan sites, with the major palaces in red.

View of mount Ida, the sacred mountain of Zeus in Crete.

Comparative size and plans of the palaces at Knossos, Mallia, and Phaistos, left to right.

Seal impressions from Evans' "hieroglyphic deposit" at Knossos.

The mysterious "Phaistos Disk."

It carries a hieroglyphic inscription which eludes translation, but, due to the refrain-like grouping of several sets of symbols, probably represents a prayer or hymn.

Clay tablets inscribed with Linear A script, from Knossos. this undeciphered script probably represents the Minoan language.

Clay tablets from Knossos inscribed with Linear B script.

Michael Ventris was able to decipher this script in the 1950's.

It represents an early form of the Greek language used by Mycenaeans.

This ceramic model house from Archanes shows us what a Minoan dwelling might have looked like.

Plan of the site of Palaiokastro, Crete.