The Aegean Bronze Age: Minoans and Mycenaeans

These flashcards focus on key terms and definitions relevant to the Aegean Bronze Age, particularly regarding the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, to aid in exam preparation.

Bronze Age

Period from 3000-1300 BC marked by economic and cultural changes in Europe.

Minoans

An ancient civilization based on the island of Crete during the Bronze Age.

Mycenaeans

A group of people who settled in mainland Greece and came to dominate the Aegean during the late Bronze Age.

Metallurgy

The science of working with metals, including the production of bronze.

Alloy

A mixture of two or more metals, e.g., bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.

Economic intensification

A process resulting in increased agricultural productivity and population growth.

Interaction networks

Connections between different cultures or regions, often through trade.

Prestige commodity

A valuable item traded in significant quantities, such as bronze.

Palatial Model

A proposed centralized political organization of small palace states across Crete.

Linear A

An undeciphered writing system used by the Minoans.

Linear B

A script used for writing Mycenaean Greek, primarily for administrative purposes.

Minoan Trade Imports

Items like copper, tin, and luxury goods brought to Crete from other civilizations.

Minoan Trade Exports

Products such as olive oil, wine, and wool traded to other cultures.

Kommos

A significant archaeological site in Crete linked to Minoan culture.

Nucleation of settlements

The process by which towns form around key locations like ports.

Cyclopean masonry

Large, irregular limestone boulders used in Mycenaean construction.

Grave Circle A

A burial site at Mycenae known for its wealth and royal artifacts.

Lion Gate

The main entrance to the Mycenaean citadel at Mycenae, famous for its monumental sculptures.

Chamber tombs

Burial sites consisting of large rooms used in Mycenaean burial practices.

Seafaring class

A group of people in Minoan society known for their maritime skills and trade.

Deep hulled sailing ships

Innovative ships developed by the Minoans for efficient trade.

Saga of the Sea Peoples

Historical narrative about various groups causing disruption in the Mediterranean.

Coffers

Containers or bins used to store goods, commonly found in palace contexts.

Minoan elite

The ruling class in Minoan society, likely centered in palace complexes.

Thorikos

An ancient site often associated with mining and metallurgy in Minoan times.

Trade networks

Systems of commercial connections that facilitate the exchange of goods.

Excavation

The process of systematically uncovering archaeological sites.

Minoan palaces

Large administrative and ceremonial structures that served as centers of power.

Cretan economy

An economy characterized by trade, agriculture, and craftsmanship.

Artifacts

Objects made by humans, often studied by archaeologists for historical insight.

Pottery phases

Chronological divisions based on the styles and types of pottery.

Northeastern Mediterranean

Regions influenced by trade and cultural interactions during the Bronze Age.

Historical context

The social, political, and economic environment surrounding an event.

Migration

The movement of peoples, significant in the context of the Sea Peoples.

Volcanic eruption

A geological event, such as that of Thera, impacting Minoan civilization.

Cultural crossroads

A region where diverse cultures meet and interact, such as the Mediterranean.

Economic decline

A reduction in economic viability, observed in the Minoan civilization.

Natural catastrophe

A sudden event, like an earthquake or eruption, causing widespread damage.

Noble burials

Elaborate graves indicating the status of individuals within a society.

Royal power

The authority and influence of monarchs or ruling classes in ancient societies.

Trade gifts

Items exchanged as tokens of goodwill and diplomatic relations.

Collapse of empires

The breakdown of powerful states and their social structures.

Sarcophagus

A stone coffin, often associated with ancient burial practices.

Subminoan period

The time following the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization.

Shipwreck

A vessel that has sunk at sea, such as the Uluburun shipwreck.

Aegean Sea

A body of water between Greece and Turkey crucial for trade.

Hittites

An ancient civilization based in Anatolia that interacted with the Aegean.

Mushrooms

Used as a term in trade to signify imported goods.

Curnying

Referring to the art of crafting intricate designs into metalwork.

Cultural exchange

The sharing and blending of cultural elements between societies.

Commercial practices

Methods and strategies used in trade and economic interactions.

Labor specialization

The division of labor where individuals focus on specific tasks or skills.

Troy

An ancient city associated with the Trojan War, significant for its archeological remains.

Evidence of warfare

Archaeological signs of conflict which contribute to understanding historical events.

International spirit

The concept of widespread connectivity and collaboration across cultures.

Terracotta

A clay-based ceramic material often used for pottery and sculptures.

Wool production

The process of creating fabric from sheep's fleece, as a major export of Crete.

Neolithic

The last phase of the Stone Age, preceding the Bronze Age.

Odyssey

An ancient narrative linked to Mycenaean culture, often reflecting their values.

Neophyte

A newcomer to a field or activity, such as an archaeologist to a site.

Cuneiform

An ancient writing system used in the Near East, particularly useful for record-keeping.

Hierarchy

A social structure where individuals or groups are ranked one above the other.

Excavation sites

Locations where archaeological digs are conducted to uncover artifacts.

Caravan trade

Commercial exchange conducted via groups traveling together for safety.

Venetian faults

Geological structures that may influence archaeological sites.

Population growth

An increase in the number of inhabitants within a region.

Socio-economic structure

The social organization and economic practices prevalent in a civilization.