Crete: A Birthplace of Civilisation
The Minoans are accepted by scholars of all kinds as probably the oldest civilisation in Europe. They influenced the formation of ancient Greece and the birthplace of something key to "civilisation", democracy.
They were advanced socially and technically in many ways, even having internal plumbing and flushing toilets before the Romans!
Their intelligence is also demonstrated by the presence of some of the world's earliest forms of writing. There were two main stages, usually called Linear A and B, the first based on pictographs beginning around 2,100 BC developing to a full script by about 1,450 BC.
Samples of Minoan Linear pictograms and script.
Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of Crete habitation since the 7th century BC, with wonderful handmade pottery appearing after the 5th century BC, officially marking the beginning of "Minoan" civilisation.
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| Early Minoan pottery | Knossos Palace |
"Minoan" comes from the legend of King Minos, a bull deity seen extensively in the magnificent Knossos palace excavated by the British archaeologist Evans.
So where did the Minoans come from? Wall frescos in palaces like Knossos seem to suggest Egypt, whereas wonderfully crafted gold work has clear links with Syria. So, somewhere easterly.
Minoan gold bee pendant
Crossroads of Cultures. Land of Natural Riches
Crete is blessed with a combination of the right soil conditions and year round sunshine (particularly the east) to facilitate growing of fantastic quality "tradable" products - like olive oil, grapes, fruits and herbs - which made the Minoans very successful commercially with other Mediterranean countries.
Amazing that today we are valuing these delights more and more and realise that high quality olive oil in particular is a life enhancing "liquid gold"
Minoans were great traders of wine, olive oil, honey and herbs
This could be one reason why Crete became such an attractive axis for connecting three main geographically close cultures, Asia, Europe and Africa. And the influence of all three can be found today in culture, food and ancestry of the people.
First evidence of significant development and community are again towards the sunny east. Prepalatial (2,600 - 1900 BC) settlements were first at Myrtos and Mochlos.
Then in the Zeopalatial period (1700 - 1400 BC) spectacular structures and palaces were built at Knossos, Malia, Phaistos and Zakros, along with rural villas that testify to the affluence of land owners.
So the good living to be found quite naturally in Crete was beginning to be enjoyed fully a long, long time ago.
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| Women's importance in Minoan society seen throughout art |
An Advanced People with a Lifestyle We'd Love Today
Like today, where the dominance of the male in society has re-balanced so women are more equal, in Minoan life women seem to have played a powerful role in all aspects of life. In their societal structure and commerce for example.
In contrast to many ancient cultures, there are few Minoan structures for god worshipping, but significant alliance with and respect for the natural world around them, possibly driven by the remarkable good living that Crete's natural abundance and climate creates.
Where there are deities, they tend to be human focused, like the mother God
variously called Brilomatis or Diktynna. She was partly a symbol of peace and the relatively matriarchal society. A kind of "All Mother".
There is also a strong demonstration of belief in Crete being a place of regeneration and renewal. The frequent use of birds and butterflies in art signifies this. We also see strong aspects of joy and celebration through dance.
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| Birds in Minoan art representing regeneration |
The peace in their lives is strongly demonstrated by the almost complete lack of buildings for defence and war.
Investment in their community for the well being of their own people is also seen, with architecture and construction often producing good living quarters, proper sanitation and sophisticated masonry.
Enjoy a Piece of Their Lives
The fantastic decoration to be seen through their art reflects nature, not gods and demons, featuring dolphins, fish, octopus, birds, trees and people, once more reflecting healing, rebirth, creativity, dance, joy and peace.
They were smart people to choose Crete. It put them in a position in the middle of the Mediterranean to take the best of a cross section of cultures, create a new life philosophy and gave them a rich land to live well with security and peace.
It is possible today when you visit Crete, particularly the unspoilt east and southeast, to quickly experience the rewarding lives they seem to have enjoyed and to see the natural beauty and wonderful creations they left behind.