Middle Bronze Age Minoans and Crete

Vocabulary flashcards covering key Minoan Crete terms and concepts from the lecture notes.

Middle Bronze Age

Aegean period during which the Minoan civilization on Crete flourished, between the Early and Late Bronze Ages.

Minoans

Bronze Age civilization from the island of Crete; named after the mythic King Minos.

Minos

Mythological king of Crete; eponym for the Minoan civilization.

Grapes and Olives

Key crops cultivated by Minoans for food and trade.

Knossos

Large Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete; famous for the Minoan palace complex.

Faience figurines

Glazed ceramic figurines, often female, reflecting social hierarchy and goddess worship in Minoan culture.

Toreador Fresco

Minoan wall painting from Knossos depicting bull-leaping and the cultural importance of bulls.

Horns of Consecration

Symbolic device representing the solar horizon and sacred power in Minoan culture.

Dikte Cave

Cave on Crete where Zeus was said to be hidden as an infant.

Mount Iuktas

A sacred mountain in Crete associated with Minoan religious sites.

Mount Ida (Ida)

Sacred mountain in Crete with mythic associations and religious significance.

Mistress of the Animals (Potnia Theron)

Goddess figure in Minoan art representing female control over animals and nature.

Lustral Basin

Purification basin used in Minoan palatial rituals for cleansing.

Babylonian seal at Knossos

Mesopotamian seal found at Knossos, evidence of trade or cultural exchange with Mesopotamia.

Fertility cave rituals

Rituals conducted in caves on Crete related to fertility beliefs in the Minoan world.