CLAS 2531 Lecture : Archaeology of Religion 3.docx
29 Apr 2013
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Document Summary
Greece is located in the middle of the mediterranean sea. Greek history: bronze age (3000-1110 bce)- people made use of bronze (most widespread metal); second millenium: the minoan and mycenean civilizations: Minoan civilization lived in crete, south of greek mainland, thoroughly developed. Non greek civilization connected closely to egypt, influence by egyptian culture. Crete as the cradle of developed civilization. When the greeks came in contact with the minoans, they recognized the superiority of the civilization, and adopted some of their traditions and beliefs. Minoans settled all over crete, but specifically in knosos. Built massive complexes known as palaces, where the ruler and his employees lived, economic, political activities, also religious shrines. People who lived in mainland greece and acquired skills and tools individually, giving them the opportunity to come in contact with the east and the minoans, conquering crete. Homer refers to mycenaeans in the illiad, a text from about the same time.
