The Work of Sir Arthur Evans

Knossos Palace was discovered by British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in the early 20th century. Upon excavation, he found the palace to have a rich history going back more than 4,000 years. It’s believed that the palace was the major center of Minoan civilization and the Aegean Sea, accounting for its importance as a center of trade between the Eastern empires and Egypt. The palace was also the political and religious center of Minoan society, with art and artifacts showcasing the Minoan’s adept skills in painting, weaving, and sculpting. These discoveries have made Knossos Palace a significant site to understand ancient history.

Sir Arthur Evans is renowned for his pioneering work in archaeology and his discovery of the ancient Minoan Palace at Knossos. He was born on July 8, 1851, in Nash Mills, England, and studied archaeology and ancient history at Oxford University.

In 1894, Evans visited Crete, which at that time was part of the Ottoman Empire, and soon became intrigued with Minoan civilization. He began excavating at Knossos in 1900, and it was here that he discovered the Minoan Palace. Evans initially believed that the palace belonged to King Minos, but later research revealed that it was constructed after his death.

Evans’s reconstruction of the palace was controversial due to his liberal use of concrete, which is not a traditional material used by the Minoans. However, his work has been praised for its attention to detail and the preservation of the site’s unique art and architecture.

During Evans’s tenure at Knossos, much of the site was uncovered. He unearthed grand halls, storerooms, and living quarters. He also located many well-preserved frescoes, which gave us a glimpse of life in Minoan society. Evans’s work in archaeology has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of Minoan civilization and ancient history. His book, “Palace of Minos,” remains an essential resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Evans’s contributions to the field of archaeology extended far beyond the confines of Knossos. He is credited with coining the term “Minoan,” which refers to the ancient civilization that once inhabited Crete. He was also a proponent of the theory that Minoan civilization had significant influence on classical Greek culture, a view that is increasingly accepted by scholars today.

Sir Arthur John Evans, the excavator of Knossos and an archaeologist, is still renowned for his work at the Palace. His book, Palace of Minos – one of the greatest works of archaeological scholarship – showcased the site and provides an insight into the life and culture of ancient Crete. His work has not only brought the Palace at Knossos to the world’s attention but also gave us insight into how archaeology was practiced in his time. Indeed, the site and its management and preservation have changed considerably since Sir Arthur’s time, and it’s the combination of technological tools and a delicate understanding of the ancient palace’s fragility.

 

The Importance of Linear B Script

One of the most fascinating things discovered at the Knossos Palace is Linear B script, one of the earliest written scripts in human history, which was used in the Mycenaean Greek period. Deciphering Linear B script has given us insight into the way the economy worked, the social structure, and other secrets of Mycenaean society. The use of Linear B script has tied the Palace at Knossos to other Mycenaean sites throughout Greece, indicating a far-reaching administrative and commercial power structure.

Linear B was discovered by Sir Arthur John Evans during the excavation of Knossos Palace in the early 20th century. Scholars believe that the script was used for accounting and administrative purposes in the Mycenaean period, which was around 1600 to 1100 BCE. The script was written on clay tablets using characters that were shaped like various objects, such as horses, weapons, and humans.

Linear B script is significant for the Minoan civilization as it provides insight into their organization, economy, and language. The characters give us an understanding of the material culture of the time, the types of goods and services produced, and how they were traded. The script has also been used to decipher in-depth information regarding the social structure of Minoan society. It has shown that the Minoans had a hierarchical system of social organization, with members of the royal family and the priesthood held in high esteem.

Recent findings show that Linear B script was found on tablets excavated from other Mycenaean sites, such as Mycenae and Pylos. This is significant as it indicates a far-reaching administrative and commercial power structure, controlled by the Minoans. It is also remarkable that the script has remained uniform across different sites, indicating the existence of a centralized bureaucratic system.

Overall, the discovery of Linear B script is a landmark achievement in the field of archaeology and provides valuable insights into the complexities of the Minoan civilization. The script has opened up new avenues of research and inquiry, leading to a better understanding of the material culture, social organization, and economic practices of the Minoans. Its preservation and ongoing study are crucial in unlocking the secrets of the past and preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.

 

The Role of Technology in Knossos Palace findings

In the modern age, the use of technology has brought significant improvements to the field of archaeology, and the Knossos Palace is one of the most notable sites that have experienced such benefits. Interactive tools and methods, such as 3D models, VR, and AR exhibits, offer new and improved ways to experience and study the artifacts and historical evidence from the Palace.

One of the most significant benefits of modern technology is the ability to preserve and study the ancient artifacts and remains of the Palace. The use of 3D models and high-resolution scans has enabled experts to create detailed replicas of the Palace and its objects, providing a tangible sense of how they may have looked like during their time. These models have also helped to identify and study specific structures and objects that may have otherwise gone unnoticed or had never been fully understood.

Virtual reality and augmented reality have also revolutionized the way visitors experience the Palace. These technologies provide immersive experiences, allowing visitors to explore the Palace in a more engaging and interactive way than ever before. Visitors can now study and examine the artistry and features of the Palace up close, which helps to better understand the Minoan civilization’s culture and values.

Furthermore, the use of technology in studying and analyzing the findings from Knossos has helped to refine and improve the accuracy of data interpretation. By using state-of-the-art imaging techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy, researchers can obtain more detailed information about the chemical and physical properties of the Palace’s materials and the techniques used in crafting the artifacts. This information provides more complete and accurate data and helps in painting more accurate pictures of the Minoan civilization’s culture, way of life, and beliefs.

 

Preservation Efforts of Knossos Palace Today

The palace is an ancient historical site that has a rich history going back over 4,000 years and serves as a significant tourist attraction to the region. It is also home to many fascinating artifacts and structures that provide invaluable insight into the Minoan civilization.

However, the Palace’s long-standing presence and exposure to the elements and tourists alike have impacted its preservation. The site faces several environmental threats, such as changes in temperature, erosion, flooding, salt, and atmospheric pollutants. These factors have affected the preservation of the Palace’s structures and artifacts, leading to degradation and damage to parts of the Palace.

To address these threats, innovative techniques have been utilized to preserve both the Palace’s structure and artefacts. The most notable of these techniques include those used in mason reconstruction, structural reinforcement, and façade preservation. Additionally, preventative measures have been implemented, such as limiting tourism traffic to specific parts of the Palace to ensure the preservation of sensitive areas.

The role of archaeologists and conservators is vital in the preservation efforts at Knossos Palace. Besides excavation and conservation, their roles include monitoring and reporting on the preservation status of the Palace regularly. Furthermore, they are responsible for making critical decisions about preservation methods, deploying workforce, and monitoring progress. Recent efforts have seen them working closely with engineers to develop innovative structural systems that ensure the Palace’s longevity.

The public’s role in preserving the Palace is also significant, and public awareness has been raised about the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Regular clean-up exercises in the area surrounding the Palace, awareness seminars for both locals and visitors are some of the public efforts towards preservation.

Despite these efforts, much needs to be done to preserve Knossos Palace adequately fully. Future solutions could include the use of innovative materials and advanced technologies to address the environmental threats affecting the Palace. Better digital archives and records management can also detect and monitor any future changes and alterations. Overall, the preservation of culturally significant sites like Knossos Palace is essential, and a concerted effort from all stakeholders is key to ensuring that our heritage is protected for many years to come.

Knossos Palace is an incredible site that offers us a window into the ancient world. It’s an important reminder of how humans lived in the past, their successes, and their failures. The preservation and protection of such sites for future generations are critical. Technological advances have and will continue to play an essential role in conserving the Palace at Knossos for years to come, offering many ways to explore and experience this incredible historical site. 

Together with conservation efforts and new research into preservation techniques, we can ensure that the Palace of Knossos remains an essential and captivating aspect of human history for generations to come.