Pre-Greek Civilization and Its Cultures

Pre-Greek Civilization

  • Refers to the prehistoric cultures that preceded Greek civilization, rising simultaneously with Egyptian culture.
  • Major cultures included:
    1. Cycladic Civilization (3000-2000 BC)
    2. Minoan Civilization (1600-1200 BC)
    3. Mycenaean Civilization (1600-1200 BC)

Cycladic Civilization

  • Time Period: 3000-2000 BC
  • Sculpture:
    • Comprises predominantly female figures.
    • Ranges from simple modifications of stone to developed representations of the human form.
    • Figures exhibit natural proportions or are more idealized.
    • Made from marble; referred to as eidolon.

Minoan Civilization

  • Time Period: 1600-1200 BC
  • Location: Originating from modern-day Crete, named after Minos, a tyrannical ruler of ancient myths.
  • Discovered by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who sought to establish a historical basis for Minoan myths.

Minoan Architecture

  • Palace of Knossos:
    • A large, rambling structure approximately three stories high.
    • Features clusters of rooms surrounding a great rectangular courtyard.
  • Megaron:
    • Translates to "Big Room".
    • Serves as living quarters for either the king or queen and also functions as the throne room.
  • Pillow Capital:
    • Refers to the cushion-like capitals used to surmount Minoan columns.
    • Primarily used in the Palace of Knossos.

Minoan Painting

  • Characterized by frescoes or mural paintings adorning the palace, which were striking features of Minoan architecture.
  • Notable Examples of Minoan Painting:
    • Charging Bull
    • Toreador Frescoes

Minoan Sculpture

  • Mostly small-scale sculptures, often frontal, focusing on both people and animals as subjects.
  • Snake Goddess:
    • A significant statue from Knossos, likely representing an important female figure in Minoan culture.
    • Associated with snakes and felines, and depicted with bare breasts, possibly an earth goddess or a Minoan priestess.

Mycenaean Civilization

  • Origins: Believed to originate from the city of Mycenaea, located on the island of Peloponnese, known as the seat of King Agamemnon from Trojan legends.
  • Gained renown in the mid-1870s due to excavations by archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann.
  • The Mycenaean period marked an era of prosperity for the Greek mainland, centered in strongholds like Mycenae, Tiryns, Thebes, and Athens.
  • Known for being fierce warriors and skilled engineers, responsible for remarkable designs including bridges, fortification walls, and beehive-shaped tombs.

Mycenaean Architecture

  • Cyclopean Masonry:
    • Composed of huge, roughly cut stone blocks forming massive fortification walls characteristic of Mycenaean architecture.
  • Corbelling:
    • Refers to the technique of arranging stone in horizontal layers called courses, where each layer projects beyond the lower level until both walls meet into a pointed arch.
  • Tholos:
    • A beehive-shaped structure covered with earthen mounds, often used as a burial site.
  • Dromos:
    • A long passageway leading to the entrance of a tomb.
  • Megaron:
    • The reception hall and the most significant room in a Mycenaean palace, consisting of the following parts:
    1. Front Porch with columns
    2. Antechamber
    3. Throne Area with a circular hearth