Who are the Minoans for kids?
The Minoans and the Mycenaeans were two of the early civilizations that developed in Greece. The Minoans lived on the Greek islands and built a huge palace on the island of Crete. The Mycenaeans lived mostly on mainland Greece and were the first people to speak the Greek language.
What are 3 facts about the Minoans?
The Minoans became very wealthy by using their extensive naval power to promote commercial trade throughout the Greek islands. The ancient people of Crete exported timber, food, wine, currants, olive oil, wool, cloth, herbs and purple dye. They also traded in precious stones, copper, tin, ivory, silver, and gold.
What was the myth of the Minoans?
According to myth, a King Minos, living in a palace with more than a thousand rooms, once ruled the island of Crete. In 1900 such a palace was discovered, excavated and partially restored by British archaeologist Arthur Evans. It was Evans who coined the term “Minoan civilization” in honor of the legendary King.
What made the Minoan civilization so unique?
The Minoan civilization is particularly notable for its large and elaborate palaces up to four storeys high, featuring elaborate plumbing systems and decorated with frescoes. The largest Minoan palace is that of Knossos, followed by that of Phaistos.
What did archaeologists discover about the Minoan civilization at Knossos?
Archaeological survey of the upper strata of the Neolithic site revealed artifacts such as gold jewelry, glazed pottery, and bronze. A prepalace structure from 3000 b.c. was also identified, thus making the Early Minoan Period contemporary with the emergence of the Early Bronze Age in the Aegean.
What were the main influences in Minoan art?
The Minoans, as a seafaring culture, were in contact with foreign peoples throughout the Aegean, as is evidenced by the Near East, Babylonian, and Egyptian influences in their early art but also in trade, notably the exchange of pottery and foodstuffs such as oil and wine in return for precious objects and materials …
What did the Minoans believe in?
The religion of the ancient Minoans of Crete largely revolved around the Mother Goddess, their chief deity, who was typically associated with snakes.
What are the characteristics of Minoan art?
The Minoans had a distinct painting style with shapes formed by curvilinear lines that add a feeling of liveliness to the paintings. The Minoan color palette is based in earth tones of white, brown, red, and yellow. Black and vivid blue are also used. These color combinations create vivid and rich decoration.
What happened to the Minoans?
In ancient times, the island of Crete was struck by massive earthquakes which destroyed much of the Minoan civilization. After the Minoans rebuilt, the island was struck by a massive tidal wave. The Minoan civilization disappeared from the island of Crete. No one knows if the survivors moved somewhere else, or if anyone survived. The Minoans.
Who were the Minoans of Crete?
Minoans were a sea-based nation with Crete as their capital. Their name came from the legendary king Minos of Crete. The civilization lasted about 2000 years from around 3000 B.C. to 1100 B.C., but the highlight was the first half of the second millennium B.C.
Who was the leader of the Minoans?
The only known ruler of the Minoans was King Minos, also being the first ruler. Minos was claimed to be the son of the ancient god Zeus , who appointed him to be the ruler of Crete . He also was the owner of the legendary Minotaur and the Labyrinth .