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The ancient civilization of Greece has always been a fascinating subject for historians and archaeologists. Nevertheless, the relationship between Minoan Crete and Athens has been a topic of study that has not been explored as much as other aspects of Greek history, such as the Peloponnesian War or the rise of Athens’ power. However, given the importance of the Minoan civilization in shaping the Greek world, a closer look at their relationship sheds light on how the Greeks’ culture, politics, and economy developed. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between Minoan Crete and Athens by looking at trade and cultural exchange, wall paintings in Knossos, literary and archaeological evidence of their relationship, commercial interactions between Crete and Egypt, teaching of Minoan civilization in Greek education, written sources of Cretan history, and an overview of the British School at Athens excavation in Palaikastro.
Art and Ecological Approach:
The study of the relationship between Minoan Crete and Athens can be approached from different angles. One of those angles is the ecological approach that emphasizes the importance of the environment in shaping human civilization. For example, the wall paintings in Knossos, Crete, depict landscapes, flora, and fauna that inform us about the ecological conditions of the time. The paintings also showcase symbols and motifs that can be found in other cultures, like Egypt or the East Mediterranean. The importance of these wall paintings lies in their dating, which ranges from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, showing a continuity of cultural exchange between different periods.
Athens and Minoan Crete:
The relationship between Athens and Minoan Crete can also be understood through literary and archaeological evidence. Classical authors, like Plato and Plutarch, mention the cultural exchange between Athens and Crete, and the implication of Crete on Athens’ culture. These authors also mention the influence of Aigina, Argolid, and Laurion, which are regions that also interacted with Crete and influenced Athens. Moreover, archaeological findings in Athens show the presence of Minoan objects, such as pottery and jewelry, that suggest commercial exchange and cultural influence.
Crete and Egypt:
Commercial interactions between Crete and Egypt are also significant aspects of the relationship between Minoan Crete and Athens. The Egyptians were the first to develop a sophisticated civilization, which the Greeks later inherited. The interaction between the Minoans and the Egyptians is evident in the discovery of Egyptian artifacts in Minoan Crete, such as frescoes, pottery, and jewelry. The cultural influence of Egypt on Crete is also visible in the similarities of their religious practices, architecture, and art.
Education in Greece:
The importance of Minoan civilization is not lost on modern Greek education. In Greek primary education, students learn about the Minoan civilization’s contribution to the Greek world and its cultural influence. Such education not only enriches the students’ knowledge of their cultural heritage but also fosters their appreciation for cultural diversity and exchange. Study of Cretan History:
Despite the available sources and evidence, the study of Cretan history still poses ambiguities and challenges. Written sources of Cretan history, such as Linear A and B scripts, are still not fully deciphered, and the ambiguity of the connection between Minoan Crete and the East Mediterranean leaves room for debate and speculation. However, continued research and excavation can provide new evidence and shed more light on the history of Minoan Crete and its relationship with Athens.
Excavation in Palaikastro:
One excavation that has greatly contributed to our understanding of Minoan Crete is the British School at Athens excavation in Palaikastro. The excavation uncovered impressive architecture and rich finds, such as frescoes, pottery, and jewelry, that shed light on Minoan culture and its interaction with other regions. Moreover, the discovery of Linear A and B scripts has provided new insights into the language and writing system of the Minoans.
In conclusion, the relationship between Minoan Crete and Athens is a topic of study that can shed light on different aspects of Greek history, such as culture, politics, and economy. The ecological approach, literary and archaeological evidence, commercial interactions between Crete and Egypt, education in Greece, written sources of Cretan history, and excavation in Palaikastro all contribute to our understanding of this relationship. Furthermore, the study of this relationship can help us appreciate the diversity and richness of ancient civilizations and their impact on the world today.
