Early Aegean Civilization (Crete, Greeks and Near East)
(3000 BC to 1050 BC)
What happened?
The Early Aegean Civilization is a general term for the Bronze Age civilizations of Greece around the Aegean See. It's the combination of three distinct but communicating and interacting geographic regions. The Greek mainland, the Cyclades and Crete. Crete is associated with the Minoan civilization. The Cyclades converged later with the Greek mainland and with Crete in the Middle Minon period ± 1450 BC. The Greek Mycenaen civilization spread to Crete. The earlier Aegean farming populations brought agriculture to Western Europe already before 5000 BC.
The Near East is an Eurocentric term in terms of the proximity of territory to Europe. The term is sometimes used bij archaeologists, geographers, and historians to refer to Soutwest Asia. The alternative term Middle East, which is more accepted in political and economic contexts, is not used by archaeologists and historians, because it covers a larger area that was often less historically relevevant.
The Near East roughly encompasses a transcontinental region comprising Western Asia, Turkey (Anatolia plus East Thrace) and Egypt. Mesopotamia plays a central role in the history of te Ancient Near East due to the large amount of source material and the fact that it was mostly Mesopotamian civilizations that played a leading role in this area.
It is generally accepted that the (in 2020) countries of the Arabian Peninsula, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israël, Jordan, Palestinian territories, Syria and Turkey are added to this period. We'll try to explore them.
Tumbled Stone - Tiger's Eye
± 2000 BC to ± 1500 BC
Tiger’s Eye fueled the imagination of mankind, since it was first discovered by ancient civilizations. Mysterious, powerful, sumptuous and warming are just some of the values attributed to the stone through time.
Tiger’s Eye may have been known as Wolf Stone in ancient history. Possibly as oculus belus, dedicated to the Mesopotamian god Belus. It was regarded as a stone of protection and good luck, used to heal eye diseases and help one see in the dark.
In ancient Egypt, the beautiful bands of gold displayed by the stone were believed to be the rays of the powerful sun god, embodied by the tiger. Tiger’s Eye was regarded as one of the most prized gems of the Nile River Valley. Legends tells that he stone holds the power of midday sun, the hottest time of day and symbolic of the peak of the life force. Pharaohs and other high-ranking aristocrats of the Egyptian court wore jewelry made from Tiger’s Eye, believing it will give vitality and strength. The stone also represented the concept of the all-powerful eye and was a precious, sacred offering to include in the tombs of the pharaohs to help him navigate the afterlife. They also placed the glittering stone in the eyes of their god image statues to express divine vision.
The ancient Greeks harnessed the power of Tiger’s Eye in jewelry to strengthen their senses for focus and protection. The Romans wore amulets made from Tiger’s Eye when going into battles. The Romans wore amulets of the stone to fight off any fear, to protect them and to give enough strength to win any battle.
The stone has always been attributed to the tiger. Historically, the tiger has been worshipped and respected as a god-like creature, powerful, protecting and as a true king of the jungle. Discovering its role in ancient myths, the tiger plays a central role in Chinese culture. The tiger is one of the 12 zodiac animals in Chinese astrology. The characteristics markings on the fur of its forehead, forming the Chinese character for king. Along with the dragon, the phoenix and the turtle, the tiger is part of the four Chinese mythical creatures. In Chinese folklore beliefs, the tiger is protecting good, guarding it from evil. Tiger’s Eye has often been carved into amulets and worn to ward of bad spirits, protecting its wearers. . It restored the yin and yang energies in Chinese medicine.
The Middle Ages were marked by good and evil from a more psychological an Machiavellian point of view. Demons and spells were the enemies. That is why they are the ones that spread to the rest of civilizations the belief that the Tiger’s Eye allowed them to block all evil energies that could affect them. It was believed that the tiger could see everything and in turn keep you away from evil spirits.
In the late 16th century, Tiger’s Eye was more precious than gold. It was so rare and strikingly beautiful, that only tribal leaders and their immediate family possessed it for ceremonial or wardresses. Civilization after civilization was capitulated to colonization. One tribe, fierce and innovative managed to fight off the invaders for nearly half a century. All masterminded by the man ‘The Black Napoleon’. In Africa, Tiger’s Eye was called "Hyenis" in honor of Hyena Eyes.