Pre-Greek Civilization

PRE-GREEK CIVILIZATION

Refers to the prehistoric cultures that preceded the Greek civilization, which rose simultaneously with the Egyptian culture. This period is characterized by several key civilizations:

  • Cycladic (3000-2000 BC)
  • Minoans (1600-1200 BC)
  • Mycenaeans (1600-1200 BC)

Cycladic Civilization (3000-2000 BC)

  • Characterized by early Cycladic sculpture which predominantly comprises female figures.
    • Sculptural Features:
    • Figures range from simple modifications of stone to developed representations of the human form.
    • Some figures exhibit natural proportions while others are more idealized.
    • Materials predominantly used are marble; these sculptures are referred to as eidolon.

Minoan Civilization (1600-1200 BC)

  • Originates from what is now modern-day Crete; named after Minos, a tyrannical ruler of ancient myths.
  • The civilization was discovered by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who sought to establish a historical basis for the myths.
Minoan Architecture
  • Palace of Knossos:
    • A large, complex structure about three stories high.
    • Features many clusters of rooms surrounding a great rectangular courtyard.
  • Megaron:
    • Translates to "Big Room."
    • Functions as living quarters and also serves as the throne room for either the queen or king.
  • Pillow Capital:
    • Refers to cushion-like capitals used to surmount Minoan columns; primarily utilized in the Palace of Knossos.
Minoan Painting
  • Frescoes or mural paintings adorning the Palace of Knossos, constituting one of its most striking features.
  • Notable examples include:
    • Charging Bull
    • Toreador Frescoes
Minoan Sculpture
  • Mostly small-scale works, often frontal, depicting both people and animals as subjects.
    • Snake Goddess:
    • The Snake Goddess statue from Knossos represents an important female figure in Minoan culture.
    • Her attributes include connections with snakes and felines, as well as her depiction with bare breasts, possibly indicating she is an earth goddess or a Minoan priestess.

Mycenaean Civilization

  • Believed to have origins in the city of Mycenaea on the island of Peloponnese; famously associated with King Agamemnon from Trojan legends.
  • Gained renown in the mid-1870s due to excavations by archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann.
  • During the Mycenaean period, the Greek mainland experienced prosperity based in strongholds such as Mycenae, Tiryns, Thebes, and Athens.
  • The Mycenaeans were known as fierce warriors and great engineers, credited with designing and building remarkable infrastructure including:
    • Bridges
    • Fortification walls
    • Beehive-shaped tombs
Mycenaean Architecture
  • Cyclopean Masonry:
    • Characterized by the use of huge, roughly cut stone blocks that form the massive fortification walls of Mycenaean structures.
  • Corbelling:
    • Involves the arrangement of stones in horizontal layers (called courses) where each layer projects beyond the lower level until both walls meet into a pointed arch.
  • Tholos:
    • Refers to beehive-shaped tombs covered with earthen mounds.
  • Dromos:
    • A long passageway leading to the entrance of a tomb.
  • Megaron:
    • The reception hall and the most important room in a Mycenaean palace.
    • Parts of a Megaron:
      1. Front Porch with columns
      2. Antechamber
      3. Throne area with a circular hearth