MINOAN AND MYCENEAN

Civilization Summary

Brief History and Background

  • The Minoan civilization (c. 3000–1100 BCE) was a Bronze Age culture based on Crete, marked by a peaceful society known as "Pax Minoica."

  • Key innovation: Development of palatial societies as centers of political, religious, and economic life.

Timeline and Geographic Location

  • Pre-Palatial (c. 3000–1900 BCE): Transition to organized settlements.

  • Proto-Palatial (c. 1900–1700 BCE): Construction of first great palaces (Knossos, Phaistos).

  • Neo-Palatial (c. 1700–1450 BCE): Golden Age; palatial structures reconstructed after earthquakes.

  • Post-Palatial (c. 1450–1100 BCE): Decline due to the Thera eruption and Mycenaean influence.

Cultural Background

  • Thalassocracy: Minoans were a sea-power, thriving on trade in olive oil, ceramics, and saffron.

  • Known for rich artistic influences from Egyptian trade, emphasizing open courtyards rather than fortifications.

Geological and Climatic Factors

  • Crete's seismic activity led to flexible timber-frame construction, while its climate allowed for architectural innovations, such as light wells.

Government and Leadership

  • Minoan society was likely bureaucratic and founded on thalassocracy; palaces served as both residences and warehouses.

Religion and Beliefs

  • Religion centered on nature and a Mother Goddess figure. Key architectural features include lustral basins and horned altars.

Architectural Development

  • Minoan architecture was organic, multi-storied, and featured non-symmetrical layouts. Key elements include inverted columns, frescoes, and terracotta materials.

Minoan

Decline of Minoan Civilization

  • Decline was due to major natural disasters (e.g., Thera eruption), palace destructions (c. 1450 BCE), and weakening due to Mycenaean influences. By the 12th century BCE, Crete fragmented into smaller settlements, losing display of Minoan culture.

Mycenaean Civilization Summary

Brief History and Background

  • The Mycenaean civilization (c. 1600–1100 BCE), rooted on mainland Greece, succeeded after conquering Crete, characterized by a warrior elite and fortified structures.

Timeline and Location

  • Early Mycenaean (c. 1600–1400 BCE): Wealth accumulation.

  • Palatial Period (c. 1400–1200 BCE): Peak of construction of citadels and the megaron;

  • Collapse (c. 1200–1100 BCE): Mysterious destruction leading to Greek Dark Ages.

Architectural Characteristics

  • Monuments built for defense include thick cyclopean walls and megarons as central features of citadels.

Decline of Mycenaean Civilization

  • Caused by palace destructions, a widespread Bronze Age collapse, invasions by Dorians, internal strife, and natural disasters, culminating in a withdrawal into simpler, less fortified settlements leading into the Greek Dark Ages (c. 1100–800 BCE).