Lecture Notes: Arthur Evans and the Minoan Civilization

Introduction to Arthur Evans

• Arthur Evans was an archaeologist fascinated by the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.
• Believed there was truth behind the myth and sought King Minos' palace, which he identified as the Palace of Knossos on Crete.

Discovery of the Palace of Knossos

• Found a massive structure on Crete and named it the Palace of Knossos.
• The historical accuracy of the reconstruction is debated; Evans reconstructed parts based on his imagination.
• Some scholars believe "Minos" was a title, not a personal name.

Features of the Palace

• Referred to as the "throne room"; contains a narrow throne and decorated walls with frescoes.
• Frescoes are paintings on wet plaster, long-lasting and vibrant.

Society and Culture Interpretations

• Some claim a matriarchal society; can't read their writing.
• The "snake goddess" sculpture suggests female societal roles but is a speculative reconstruction.

Advanced Architecture

• Complex, multi-story structure with advanced engineering.
• Sophisticated solutions for lighting, airflow, and plumbing.

Function of the Palace

• Likely a combination of a government complex and marketplace.
• The complex structure may have inspired the labyrinth myth in the Minotaur story.

Minoan Art and Culture

• Minoans were deeply interested in art and decoration.
• Artifacts like frescoes and jewelry show a high level of craftsmanship.
• Art was ubiquitous, found in both palaces and common homes.

Bull Worship and Religious Practices

• Frequent bull imagery aligns with the Minotaur myth.
• "Bull Dancer Fresco" suggests a ritualistic or athletic bull-leaping activity.
• Activity was co-ed, depicted in art with gender distinctions in skin color.

Trade and Influence

• Minoan culture interconnected with Mycenaean and Helladic cultures on the Greek peninsula.
• Minoans had time for art due to a stable environment, unlike the warlike Mycenaean culture.

Defensive Architecture in Mycenaean Culture

• Fortresses with thick stone walls designed for defense.
• Paths designed to expose sword arms, making defense easier.

Conclusion

• Mycenaean culture contrasts with Minoan; reflects early stories like the Iliad and the Odyssey.
• These cultures lay the groundwork for classical Greek ideas of beauty and philosophy.