The origins of Greek Civilization:

Minos, Mycenae and the Trojan War

The Parthenon, Athens 1687! – 447-432BCE 46 Doric columns; cover 237 ft by

110 ft; 60 ft high temple made of marble and dedicated to the goddess Athena.

• Sir Arthur Evans, 1900

Theseus and the Minotaur

The ship of King Minos sailing to Athens

Theseus & Ariadne

Theseus and the Minotaur

North entrance of Palace of Knossos

The Queen’s Room…

Prince With Lilies, c. 1500 BC

The Fisherman, Crete, c 1400

Minoan ladies, 1400

Sea themes on Cretan pottery

Bull leaping Mural, Palace at Knossos

The Palace at Knossos, 2200 -1400 BC

Homer, The Iliad - c 800 BCE

Heinrich Schlieman, 1871 ...

“Origins” of the Trojan War

12th C. : The Trojan Wars

• The Lion’s Gate, 1350 BC

Kyriakos Pittakis, 1841

The Treasury of Atreus

c 1300 BCE

• Pottery, swords, knives and 100’s of gold ornaments have been found

Two sets of gravesites were discovered at Mycenae

Mycenaean Queen, c. 1350

Mycenaean bull, 1350 BCE

Invasions usher in a “Dark Age.” (1100-800 BC)

Invasions usher in a “Dark Age.” (1100-800 BC)

• Mycenaean civilization disappeared- warfare, poverty, insecurity and isolation.

• Extensive trade ceased• The knowledge of writing was forgotten• Palace workshops were abandoned• Art reflected primitive forms• Burials and graves were simple • No massive buildings/architecture• Fewer water wells were dug

Any questions?