Classical Studies 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Minoan Civilization, Chariot Racing, Polis

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 1000
• Professor: Bernd Steinbock

Document Summary

The minoans and mycenaeans, honoured their gods w/ processions, music, dance and gave them gifts and sacrifices. Slaughtering/ butchering of animals on outdoor altars was a very formal/serious ritual. Minoans likely have even practice human sacrifice during time of crisis. Minoans preformed rituals in caves and sanctuaries built on mountain peaks. Myceneans shrines seemed to be mostly in palace centers. Myceneans also worshiped the olympian gods (according to linear b tablets). Everything began with the earth (gaia) and the sky (ouranos). Greeks portrayed the olympian gods physically as humans, that are immortal with special power to control and direct nature. In homer, humans are playthings of the gods. Acts that are condemned as sins by many religions like murder, stealing and adultery do not bother the. The olympians condemn oath breaking and mistreating strangers, suppliants and beggars. Their ideas for afterlife remained vague and not developed through archaic and classical periods.