Themes - Summary 2

Question 1

Aegean Bronze Age Chronology

Answer 1

Chronology problematic - only fixed date is the eruption of Thera volcano. Divided into Early BA (3200-2100), Middle (2100-1700), Late (1700-1050). Additional subdivisions

Question 2

Organization of Minoan space

Answer 2

Chaotic; organic organization, unlike the grid like modern one. Agglutinated system evolving to the needs of the inhabitants

Question 3

Architecture of the EM period

Answer 3

Generally humble; not very sophisticated. Unfinished stones for the foundations and lower walls; upper structures with mud-brick and wood.

Question 4

Minoan funerary architecture

Answer 4

Far better quality than domestic one. Two patterns: flat-roofed tholos tombs in the southern central part and house tombs in the eastern part. Cemeteries in north-central Crete show a combination of the two forms.

Question 5

Minoan Old Palaces

Answer 5

First palaces emerge on Crete ~2100 BCE. Excellent quality (precious materials, finished masonry). Were the political, social, religious centers of Minoan Crete.

Question 6

1700 BCE

Answer 6

Minoan Old Palaces destroyed or damaged in fire. Probably combination of natural catastrophes and war. Knossos partially damaged and rebuilt, Phaistos completely destroyed and rebuild, Mallia with no significant damage.

Question 7

Minoan trade

Answer 7

In 2100 BCE the Minoans already had intense trade: for example, they are depicted on Egyptian wall paintings.

Question 8

Key characteristics of Minoan palaces

Answer 8

• Multiple storeys (up to 4)
• Central courtyard
• West courtyard
• Subdivision in insulae
• Countless staircases and corridors
• Monumental open staircases
• Light wells
• Storage areas, usually in W part of palace
• Agglutinated
• Everything seems to start from the central courtyard.

Question 9

Minoan palaces - big three

Answer 9

Knossos, Phaistos, Mallia

Question 10

Minoan sanctuaries

Answer 10

Small and usual either within the palace or on mountain summits.

Question 11

Tripartite shrine, Knossos

Answer 11

The best explored palace sanctuary in Crete.

Question 12

Anemospilia

Answer 12

Evidence of human sacrifice.

Question 13

Gournia

Answer 13

Late Minoan I settlement. Coarse masonry, mud bricks and wood, agglutinated pattern. Access to houses provided through external staircases. One brad street surrounding settlement other streets narrow.

Question 14

Minoan villas

Answer 14

Three kinds:

• near palatial center (Knossos) - architecture follows that of palaces, belong to political elite
• near settlements (Tylissos): an administrative intermediate between palace and settlement
• remote areas (Sklavokampos): separate units of production, not always architecturally as fancy as palatial.

Question 15

Centers of Mycenaean culture

Answer 15

Iolkos, Thebes, Athens, Mycenae, Tiryns, Sparta, Pylos. The first Greek culture on Greek soil

Question 16

Megaron

Answer 16

The centerpiece of every Mycenaean palace. Consists of two antechambers and a central room with a hearth surrounded by four columns.

Question 17

Mycenaean tholos tombs

Answer 17

Erected completely of stone; vaulted. Dromos - a way for the funeral procession. Rectangular side chamber is where bodies actually are. Covered with earth to form tumulus.