Raiders of the Lost Past with Janina Ramirez - 2.1 The Minotaur's Palace (BBC)

Introduction

• Series explores the journeys of three men searching for lost treasures.

• Their discoveries significantly altered historical narratives.

• Examining the foundations of Viking art and early human societies.

• Highlighting how individual motivations such as nationalism and colonialism shaped historical narratives.

The Controversial Discovery of Minoan Civilization

• Focus on Crete, home to one of archaeology's most contentious stories.

• Arthur Evans' pursuit of the myth of King Minos and the Minotaur began over a century ago.

• Evans' dig unearthed the ruins of Europe's first civilization, the Minoans, lost for nearly 3,000 years.

King Minos and the Minotaur Myth

• The Minotaur is a legendary half-man, half-bull creature.

• Myth fed into various literary works including those by Chaucer, Shakespeare, and modern adaptations like Percy Jackson.

• Crete, a significant cultural and historical landmark with references from Homer about its vibrant society.

The First Archaeological Efforts

• Arthur Evans, inspired by discoveries like that of Troy by Heinrich Schliemann, sought to find Minos’s palace.

• Evans became an esteemed yet controversial figure due to his imaginative interpretations of findings.

• Other archaeologists and national interests competed for archaeological dominance on Crete, akin to a colonial race.

Background of Arthur Evans

• Evans studied at Harrow School, steeped in the belief of Britain as the successor to ancient Greek culture.

• Early exposure to archaeology through his father's amateur interests.

• Death of his mother and exposure to the classical studies further shaped his future pursuits.

Early Influences and Career

• Evans’s travels in the Balkans for journalism introduced risks but enriched his experiences.

• Curatorship at the Ashmolean Museum led to significant artifact collection and research on Minoan seal stones.

• The death of his wife spurred his determination to excavate Crete.

Excavation of Knossos

• In 1894, Evans returned to Crete, intent on uncovering the palace of Knossos.

• After years of preparation, he acquired land around Knossos to secure excavation rights.

• Received formal excavation permission in 1900, launching an archaeological journey.

The Excavation Process

• The first day of excavation marked by excitement and uncertainty.

• Local labor force employed, utilizing their experience with the land.

• Introduced a wage incentive system to encourage speedy discoveries.

Notable Finds

• Rapid unearthing of significant artifacts, including frescoes and pottery.

• Discovery of the throne room mechanism, which Evans proclaimed as the throne of King Minos, solidifying historical claims.

• Excavation results recounted in The Times, attracting global attention.

The Creation of Minoan Civilization

• Evans established the term 'Minoan' for the civilization he discovered, attributing it to King Minos.

• The Minoans’ infrastructure demonstrated a sophisticated society with trade links across the Mediterranean.

• Remarkable artistic expressions depicted a culture rich in natural beauty and depth, showcasing aquatic imagery.

Representation of Women in Minoan Art

• Depictions of women challenged traditional narratives of history dominated by male figures.

• The existence of priestesses indicated an empowered social role for women.

• The artistry displayed not just skill but a deep connection to nature and life.

Legacy and Historical Revision

• Evans’ failures to acknowledge preceding archaeologists like Minos Kalokairinos, who found artifacts at Knossos years earlier, tarnished his reputation.

• Evans’ reconstructions of Minoan sites often romanticized and reflected his Victorian sensibilities.

• Posthumously, Evans’ interpretations faced scrutiny with the revelation that Minoan language was early Greek, not a separate civilization as he suggested.

Evolving Archaeological Perspectives

• Modern archaeologists are reassessing Evans’ methods, uncovering the lives of ordinary Minoans through overlooked artifacts.

• Discoveries at other sites reveal a complex societal structure, dispelling the myth of a peaceful civilization.

Natural Disasters and Decline

• Evidence suggested the Minoan civilization faced destruction from volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.

• Rebuilding efforts occurred, but vulnerability led to eventual conquest by outside forces.

• Artistic remnants, including depictions of soldiers, reflect the transition towards militarized society.

Conclusion

• Evans’ contributions were vital in rewriting the early chapters of European civilization history.

• His legacy influences contemporary understanding of the Minoans, showcasing a society that may have been advanced in ways previously overlooked.

• The Minoans, once submerged by Greek history, are now seen as foundational to the understanding of Western civilization's roots.