Mysterious Cultures of Ancient Greece

Questions and Answers

Which island was the largest known Minoan center?

Crete

What is the term used to describe the undeciphered system of writing used by the Minoans?

Linear A

What caused the collapse of Minoan civilization around 1200 B.C.?

Unknown

Which two cultures dominated the Greek and Aegean world before the classical Greek culture?

The Minoan and Mycenaean cultures Signup and view all the answers

What is the possible religious significance of the bull imagery found in Minoan art?

Bulls were considered sacred animals in Minoan culture Signup and view all the answers

Who was King Minos of Crete and what myth is associated with him?

King Minos was a historical king of Crete associated with the Minoan civilization Signup and view all the answers

Which animal was featured in Mycenaean art?

Lions Signup and view all the answers

What evidence has provided the best information about Mycenaean civilization?

Excavation of tombs Signup and view all the answers

What role did geography play in the development of Greek city-states?

Geography made it hard for city-states to conquer and hold large territories Signup and view all the answers

What language was used in the Mycenaean civilization?

Linear B Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Minoan and Mycenaean Cultures in Early Greece

The Minoans were an island-based culture with a strong naval and trading empire, known for their bull imagery.
The Mycenaeans were a collection of city-states scattered across the Peloponnese, known for their imposing architecture and battle scenes in their art.
Before 750 B.C., there was limited knowledge of Greek history, with information primarily coming from myths.
Sir Arthur Evans discovered the remains of a palace in Knossos, Crete, with depictions of bulls and a labyrinth, providing evidence for the existence of the Minoan civilization.
The Minoans built large urban centers on the island of Crete and spread to other islands in the Aegean.
Minoan palace structures had interconnected rooms clustered around a central courtyard, suggesting a peaceful society or a powerful navy that didn't require city walls.
The Minoans were accomplished sailors and engaged in trade, as shown by nautical scenes in their frescoes.
The bull was a significant symbolic animal to the Minoans, depicted in frescoes and sculptures, but its exact religious and cultural meaning remains unknown.
The Minoans had a system of writing called Linear A, but it remains undeciphered.
The Minoan civilization collapsed around 1200 B.C., possibly due to natural disasters such as earthquakes and a cataclysmic volcanic eruption on Thera.
The Mycenaean civilization comprised small, independent kingdoms, with Mycenae as the largest city.
Mycenaean cities were heavily fortified, focused on military concerns, and featured art depicting battle scenes and lions.