Prehistoric Aegean and Minoan Civilizations

Europe

Egypt

Mesopotamia

Europe

Egypt

Mesopotamia

Cycladic Art:3000-2000 BC

Ancient marble quarry on island of Paros, Cyclades islands

Modern quarry, island of Naxos, Cyclades islands

Excavated prehistoric Cycladic burial site

Figurine of a woman, from Syros (Cyclades islands), 2500-2300 BC

Figurine of a woman, from Syros (Cyclades islands), 2500-2300 BC

Figurine of a man playing a lyre, from Keros (Cyclades islands), 2700-2500 BC

Figurine of a man playing a lyre, from Keros (Cyclades islands), 2700-2500 BC

Musicians and dancers from the tomb of Nebamun, Egyptian New Kingdom, 1400-1350 BC

Cycladic Art:3000-2000 BC

Minoan Art: 1700-1200 BC

Knossos, Crete. Excavation site of Minoan palace (1700-1400 BC) and reconstruction model.Palace of King Minos. Legend of the Minotaur kept in the labyrinth

Examples of the Minoan sacred double-ax (labrys) motif found at Knossos.

Porch at the palace at Knossos, Crete, 1700-1400 BC

Masonry terms:

Fieldstones: unworked natural stones used in building.

Ashlar: carefully cut, regularly shaped blocks of stone fit together without mortar.

Dressed masonry: stone blocks shaped to the exact dimensions required, with smooth faces for a perfect fit. Ashlar is a component of dressed masonry.

Bull-leaping scene, fresco from the palace at Knossos, Crete, ca. 1450 BC (restored)

Snake Goddess, from palace at Knossos, Crete, ca. 1600 BC. Material: faience

Palace at Knossos, Crete: Throne room (left) and queen’s private chamber (megaron) (below). Ca. 1450 BC.

Minoan vases from Crete, 1800-1500 BC