Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
1) demonstrate familiarity with the essential Minoan archaeological material in its chronological and social contexts.
2) have a broad understanding of the role of Minoan society within the cultural history of the Bronze Age Eastern Mediterranean, and its contribution to later European cultural development
3) critically review and assess interpretative models and strategies.
4) Identify key Minoan objects and themes, and write about them critically.
Indicative Module Content:
This is a potential list of topics that will be addressed. Please note it is indicative, not final
1. Introduction
Cretan myths (Zeus, Europa and the Bull, Minos, Minotaur and the Knossos Labyrinth, Theseus)
Sir Arthur Evans and the beginnings of archaeology
2. Chronology/Geography/Neolithic
Topography and landscape
Political geography and terminology
Chronological frameworks (ceramic, and cultural/palatial)
Neolithic and earliest settlement
3. Early Minoan
Early Minoan/Prepalatial
Ceramic development
Settlement patterns
Tombs and offerings
4. Early Minoan/Transition to the palaces
Religion
Emergent hierarchies
Early Minoan/Prepalatial evidence from Knossos
Social transition to palaces (fortified settlements)
5. Middle Minoan Palaces (Phaistos, Mallia)
Defining a palace
Middle Minoan/Protopalatial palaces (Phaistos and Mallia)
Social, economic, and political organisation
6. Middle Minoan Knossos
Knossos in the Middle Minoan/Protopalatial period
Architectural development, social and political organisation
Transition from Proto- to Neopalatial periods
Minor palaces (Monastiraki)
Knossos Temple Repositories
Anemospilia human sacrifice
7. Art - Early Minoan to Middle Minoan 1
Pottery, stone vases, seals
8. Early Minoan to Middle Minoan 2
Gold, faience, ivory
9. Neopalatial Knossos 1
Knossos in the Neopalatial period (Middle Minoan III - Late Minoan I).
Palace as microcosm of Minoan society - economic, religious and political functions
Setting, use and meaning of wall-paintings
10. Neopalatial Knossos 2
11. Neopalatial Knossos 3, Phaistos and Mallia
Subsidiary palaces - Phaistos and Mallia
Relationships with Knossos
12. Neopalatial Zakro, minor palaces, towns and villas
Zakro palace, Galatas palace
Neopalatial economic and political organisation (network of villas and towns)
Administration - seals/sealings, writing systems
13. Neopalatial Art 1
Frescoes, pottery, metal vases, bronze figurines, ivory, stone vases
14. Neopalatial Art 2
Carved stone vases, jewellery, seals and sealings, Linear A writing
15. Early Mycenaeans
The end of the Neopalatial period (Late Minoan I destructions)
Contributions of the Mycenaeans (Shaft Grave period, Mycenaeans on Crete, Linear B writing)
16. Thera/End of the Neopalatial period
Minoans overseas (Thera volcano eruption)
Understanding the Late Minoan II period, the final destruction of Knossos)
17. Postpalatial Crete
Late Minoan III period, breakup of the palatial system
Final flourishes of art (pottery, painted coffins)
Late Minoan IIIc period refuge sites and the end of the Bronze Age
18. Minoan religion - iconographic evidence 1
Iconography, deities, rituals and beliefs
19. Minoan religion - iconographic evidence 2
Iconography, deities, rituals and beliefs
20. Minoan religion - cult places
Settlement shrines
Rural shrines – caves and sacred enclosures
21. Minoan religion – cult places
Peak sanctuaries
22. Minoan religion – cult places
Atsipadhes peak sanctuary