Minoan Society
The Minoan Society of Ancient Greece arose on the island of Crete in approximately 2600 BC, as a highly influential civilization characterized by the dominance of great palaces and its unique art forms and styles. The following ancient artefacts each relate to different aspects of society of the Minoan era of Crete.
This bronze figurine dating back to approximately 1700 BC, depicts a man somersaulting over the full length of a bull's body, while holding it by the horns. Within Minoan society, this act was a great feat regarded as near impossible that was performed during religious ceremonies. The animal of the bull was the largest creature of Crete in this time, and was therefore viewed as of possessing great religious significance. The act of bull-leaping was a popular form of entertainment in Crete in which both men and women risked their lives to perform the testing feat. This small sculpture provides opportunity to infer information and insight into the cultural aspects of entertainment, religion and art of the Minoan Society.
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This large ceramic pot known as a 'pithoo', believed to originate from approximately 2001 BC was used to store wheat, honey and olive oil, with the earthen - made of compressed of Earth - exterior either keeping its contents cool or preventing heat loss. The narrow opening of the pithoo implies that the Minoans maintained a basic level of understanding of technology, as they were able to recognise that the design would let in/out less heat. The size of the pithoo demonstrates that Minoans were conscious of food supply, whilst indicating the large population of Minoans within Crete's capital city of Knossos. This simple storage 'container' is a useful source of knowledge that highlights the significance of effective food storage within society of this era, whilst demonstrating an elementary use of technology. |