The Minoans

Sources:

Adams, Ellen. The Minoans: Lost Civilizations. Reaktion Books, 2025.

Watrous, L. Vance. Minoan Crete: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press, 2021.

Images Used:

Lasithi Plain

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kreta-Lass%C3%ADthi-Hochebene.jpg

Bull Leaping Fresco, Knossos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_bull_leaping_fresco.jpg

Archaeological site at Vasiliki

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vasiliki-Crete-1.jpg

Minoan Terracotta beak-spouted jar, Vasiliki ware, 2600–2200 BC

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/247631

Northern entrance, reconstructed palace of Knossos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_-_North_Portico_02.jpg

Western court, palace of Knossos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palace_of_Knossos_Crete_Greece_(44812341684).jpg

Reconstruction of the ‘Grandstand Fresco’ from Knossos, thought to depict a ceremony of some kind

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wall_painting_of_grandstand_or_sacred_grove_and_shrine_from_Knossos_(north_end_of_central_court)_-_London_BM_-_02.jpg

Cretans bringing gifts, a depiction from the tomb of Egyptian vizier Rekhmire

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cretans_Bringing_Gifts,_Tomb_of_Rekhmire.jpg

North entrance to Knossos, photographed prior to Arthur Evans’ reconstructions, 1919

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:KnossosNorthEntranceCropped.jpg

Seal featuring Cretan Hieroglyphs

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pini-plombe-orig-II2_316d_3.2.jpg

Linear A inscription, Phaistos, 1850-1450 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minoan_inscriptions,_Linear_A_script,_Phaistos,_1850-1450_BC,_AMH,_144886.jpg

Linear B tablet, Knossos, 1450-1375 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clay_Tablet_inscribed_with_Linear_B_script.jpg

Ruins of the palace at Phaistos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phaistos_01.jpg

Reconstructed fresco of a cult procession, Knossos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wall_painting_of_cult_procession_from_Knossos_(Corridor_of_Procession)_-_Heraklion_AM_-_01.jpg

The Temple Tomb at Knossos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%CE%92%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BB%CE%B9%CE%BA%CF%8C%CF%82_%CE%A4%CE%AC%CF%86%CE%BF%CF%82-%CE%99%CE%B5%CF%81%CF%8C_%CE%9A%CE%BD%CF%89%CF%83%CE%BF%CF%8D_8669.jpg

Knossos floorpan

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_Map-T_Just_the_map.jpg

Southern view from Knossos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_-_03.jpg

The Throne Room at Knossos

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Throne_Hall_Knossos.jpg/1280px-Throne_Hall_Knossos.jpg

Knossos, South Propylaeum

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_R03.jpg

Grain storage pits at the palace of Malia

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minoan_Palace_of_Malia_2.jpg

The Priest-King or Prince of the Lilies Fresco, 20th century reconstruction

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_frise2.JPG

Arthur Evans, 1888

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Margaret_and_Arthur_Evans_22_June_1888.jpg

Fragments of the Priest-King Fresco

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wall_painting_of_the_Priest-King_from_Knossos_(North-South_Corridor)_-_Heraklion_AM_(TORSO_cropped).jpg

Painting of Minos, University of Athens. Carl Rahl and Edward Lebietski, 20th Cen.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mural_of_Minos_at_the_National_And_Kapodistrian_University_of_Athens_on_May_22,_2022.jpg

Bust of Thucydides, from a 4th Cen. BC original

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thucydides_pushkin01.jpg

Well preserved example of a Tholos or ‘beehive’ tomb, from the Mycenaean Palace of Nestor, 1550-1500 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palace_of_Nestor_mausoleum_%283%29.jpg

Remains of the Minoan Palace of Gournia

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gournia_Minoan_Palace_1.jpg

Ruins of the Palace of Malia

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malia_Minoan-site_Palace_North-wing_20230608_100710.jpg

Theatral area at Knossos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_theatral_area.jpg

Mycenaean soldiers depicted on a vase, 12th Cen. BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pottery_soldiers_12_c_BC,_NAMA_1246_102885.jpg

Mycenaean boar tusk helmet, 1450-1400 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eberzahnhelm_Heraklion.jpg

The summit of Karphi - the late Minoan settlement was mainly located just below the summit

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Karfi-3.JPG

Late Minoan votive offerings, 1300-1100 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Terracottas_from_Gazi_in_AM_Heraklion,_1300-1100_BC,_145278_(cropped).jpg

Diana of Versailles, a statue of Artemis, 125-150 AD

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diane_de_Versailles_-_Mus%C3%A9e_du_Louvre_AGER_Ma_589.jpg

Reconstructed Horns of Consecration at Knossos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cnossos-stegop-48.jpg

Anatomical votive, from the peak sanctuary of Petrofas, 2000-1700 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minoan_terracottas,_votive_models_of_body,_2000-1700_BC,_BM,_1907.1-19,_142778.jpg

Artist’s depiction of the Palace of Knossos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Reconstruccio_Knossos.jpg

Minoan fresco depicting lilies, 1570-1470 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lily_fresco,_Minoan,_1570-1470_BC,_from_Amnisos,_AMH,_145365.jpg

Clay model of a house, 1700 BC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Clay_house_model_from_Archanes,_1700_BC,_AMH,_19410,_145004.jpg

Sir Arthur Evans among the Ruins of the Palace of Knossos, William Blake Richmond, 1907

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Arthur_Evans_portrait_(frameless),_1907,_by_William_Richmond,_Ashmolean_Museum,_Oxford.jpg

Minoan ‘Ladies in Blue’ fresco, 1525-1450 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Reproduction_of_the_%22Ladies_in_Blue%22_fresco_MET_DP234770.jpg

Isopata Ring, Knossos, 1500 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minoischer_Siegelring_03a.jpg

The so-called ‘Snake Goddess’ statues, 1600 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%CE%98%CE%B5%CE%AD%CF%82_%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD_%CE%8C%CF%86%CE%B5%CF%89%CE%BD_6391.JPG

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%CE%98%CE%B5%CE%AC_%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD_%CE%8C%CF%86%CE%B5%CF%89%CE%BD_6393_(cropped).JPG

Smaller ‘Snake Goddess’ before reconstruction

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_palace_of_Minos_-_a_comparative_account_of_the_successive_stages_of_the_early_Cretan_civilization_as_illustrated_by_the_discoveries_at_Knossos_(1921)_(14750642386).jpg

Gold ring with Sitting Goddess and row of lion-headed figures (known as ‘genii’) bearing offerings, 15th Cen. BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gold_ring_with_relief_sitting_goddess_and_genii_Mycenaean,_NAMA_6208_080858.jpg

Prince of the Lilies fresco, with original fragments visible

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_%E2%80%94_Prince_of_the_Lilies.jpg

The Cup Bearer fresco, Knossos 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Heraklion_%E2%80%94_Cup_bearer_fresco.jpg

Prince of the Lilies Fresco, crown detail

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wall_painting_of_the_Priest-King_from_Knossos_(North-South_Corridor)_-_Heraklion_AM_(HEAD_cropped).jpg

Golden votive labrys, 1550-1500 BC. Note the undeciphered Linear A inscription on the left hand side.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minoan_Labrys1.jpg

Horns of Consecration, atop a clay model of a building, 1500-1450 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Horns_of_concesration,_Clay_model,_1500-1450_BC,_AMH,_145010_(cropped).jpg

Bronze statue of bull-leaping, 1600-1450 BC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Minoan_Bull-leaper.jpg

Ivory figurine of a bull-leaper, circa 1700 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heraklion_Archaeological_Museum_(30524498772).jpg

Rhyton (drinking vessel) in the shape of a bull’s head, 1550-1500 BC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rhyton_in_the_form_of_a_bulls_head_from_Knossos_02.jpg

The Ring of Minos, 1450-1400 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Epiphany_cycle_%E2%80%94_THE_RING_OF_MINOS.jpg

Agia Triada Sarcophagus, circa 1400 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sarcophagus_archmus_Heraklion.jpg

The Saffron Gatherer fresco, reconstructed featuring monkeys

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Knossos_%E2%80%94_Saffron_Gatherer.jpg/1280px-Knossos_%E2%80%94_Saffron_Gatherer.jpg

The Saffron Gatherers Fresco, Akrotiri

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%22Die_Fresken_von_Akrotiri_z%C3%A4hlen_zu_den_spektakul%C3%A4rsten_Zeugen_der_Bronzezeit.%22_11.jpg

The Saffron Gatherers Fresco, Akrotiri. Jean Housen.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20230503_Thira091.jpg

Gold signet ring and its impression, circa 1700 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minoisch_Siegel_Detail_(cropped).jpg

Selection of gold leaf ornaments and jewellery, 2300-2100 BC

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/252341

Master of Animals gold pendant, 1700-1500 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minoan_Master_of_Animals_jewellery.jpg

Male and female worshippers bringing offerings to a tomb, Agia Triada Sarcophagus, circa 1400 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Painting_on_limestone_sarcophagus_of_religious_rituals_from_Hagia_Triada_-_Heraklion_AM_-_01_(cropped).jpg

Two goddesses in a griffin-drawn chariot, Agia Triada Sarcophagus, circa 1400 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Painting_on_limestone_sarcophagus_of_religious_rituals_from_Hagia_Triada_-_Heraklion_AM_-_05.jpg

Larnax (funerary chest) with a hunting scene, early Minoan

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Larnax,_Early_Minoan,_hunting_scene,_AM_Rethymno,_076112.jpg

The Ship Procession Fresco, Akrotiri

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%22Die_Fresken_von_Akrotiri_z%C3%A4hlen_zu_den_spektakul%C3%A4rsten_Zeugen_der_Bronzezeit.%22_02.jpg

The Cup Bearer fresco, Heraklion

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heraklion_%E2%80%94_Cup_bearer_fresco.jpg

Close up of a figure on the Bull-leaping fresco, 1600-1450 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AMI_-_Stiersprungfresco_5.jpg

Clay vase with painting of an octopus, circa 1500 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AMI_-_Oktopusvase.jpg

The Ewer of Poros, displaying Minoan marine style, 1500-1450 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ewer_of_Poros,_1500-1450_BC,_AMH,_145214.jpg

The Fisherman fresco, Akrotiri, circa 1700 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fisherman_Fresco_from_Akrotiri,_17th_century_BC,_PMTh,_176618.jpg

Small pithos vase depicting a fish and a net, Phaistos, 1800-1700 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Small_pithos,_fish_in_a_net,_Phaistos,_1800-1700_BC,_AMH,_144972.jpg

Porphyry object identified as an anchor, 1500-1400 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Porphyr_anchor_or_weight_from_Knossos_02.jpg

Boxer fresco, Akrotiri, 1650-1500 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Akrotiri_Boxer_Fresco.jpg

Bronze Bull, 1400-1200 BC

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/252412

Terracotta vase in the shape of a bull’s head, 1450-1400 BC

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/255506

North portico of the reconstructed Palace of Knossos, Crete

commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_-_North_Portico_02.jpg

Archaeologist Arthur Evans, 1851-1941

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sir_Arthur_John_Evans.jpg

Dagger with golden hilt, 1800-1700 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bronzedolch_Malia_01.jpg

Relief from the Harvester Vase, which may depict agricultural workers, 1550-1500 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%CE%A1%CF%85%CF%84%CF%8C_%CF%84%CF%89%CE%BD_%CE%B8%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CF%8E%CE%BD_-_%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%AC%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%B7.jpg

The Antelope Fresco, 2000-1600 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fresques_d%27Akrotiri_%28Th%C3%A9ra,_Gr%C3%A8ce%29_%2830653000932%29.jpg

Terracotta bull head vase, 1450-1400 BC

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/255506

Cretan Wild Goat, Chania Municipal Garden

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%CE%9A%CF%81%CE%B9-%CE%BA%CF%81%CE%B9_%CE%94%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CF%8C%CF%82_%CE%9A%CE%AE%CF%80%CE%BF%CF%82_%CE%A7%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%AF%CF%89%CE%BD_8279.jpg

Stone figurines, pre-palatial era, 3000-2000 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Small_stone_figurines,_Prepalatial_Crete,_AMH,_144655.jpg

Trapeza Cave, a sacred cave used for Minoan burials

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%CE%9A%CF%81%CF%8C%CE%BD%CE%B9%CE%BF_%CE%A3%CF%80%CE%AE%CE%BB%CE%B1%CE%B9%CE%BF_1283.jpg

Remains of the sewers at Knossos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_sewers_PA067399.JPG

The Minotaur, depicted on a 6th Cen. Attic cup

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tondo_Minotaur_London_E4_MAN.jpg

Cross section of Treasury of Atreus, a Tholos tomb at Mycenae

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Schatzhaus_des_Atreus,_Querschnitt.jpg

Bronze helmet and sword from Knossos, 1400-1300 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bronze_helmet,_sparhead_and_sword_from_Cnossos,_Archaeological_Museum_of_Heraklion.jpg

Clay tablet with Linear A inscription, 15th Cen. BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Minoan_Linear_A,_Crete,_AMH,_145099.jpg

Linear A table from Petras, thought to contain lists of wine and cereals

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Linear_A_tablet_from_Zakros,_AM_Sitia,_258625.jpg

Linear B tablet found at Thebes, 13th Cen. BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Linear_B_tablet,_13th_century_BC,_AM_of_Thebes,_201139.jpg

The great temple of Abu Simbel, photographed in 1857

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abou_Simbel,_Nubia_MET_DP116347.jpg

Vasiliki ware teapot, 2400-2200 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vasiliki_ware_tea_pot_archmus_Heraklion.jpg

Modern reconstruction of the Bull-Leaping Fresco, Knossos

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knossos_-_06.jpg

Approaching Hekla, Frederick W. W. Howell, 1893

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iceland_-_Approaching_Hekla.jpg

Landscape near the village of Kera, Crete, Marc Ryckaert

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crete_Landscape_R01.jpg

View of Mount Ida and the Messara Plain, Crete

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mount_Ida_chain_Messara_plain_from_Phaistos_Crete_Greece.jpg

The ‘Goddess of Myrtos’, terracotta rhyton, 2500-2300 BC

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Goddess_of_Myrtos,_Phournou_Koryphi,_2500-2300_BC,_AM_Ag._Nikolaos,_0501222.jpg

White Bull’s Head, Heraklion

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_Bull%27s_head_rhyton_archmus_Heraklion.jpg