Prehistoric Greece
During the Bronze Age three separate civilizations flourished in Greece: the Cycladic, during the 3rd millennium; the Minoan, based on Crete but with an influence that spread throughout the Aegean islands; and the Mycenaean, which was based on the mainland but spread to Crete in about 1450 BC when the Minoans went into decline.
Both the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures found their peak in the Palace periods of the 2nd millennium when they were dominated by a centralized religion and bureaucracy.
Neolithic Head (3000 BC): This figure was found on Alónnisos in the Sporades.
It probably represents a fertility goddess who was worshipped by farmers to ensure a good harvest.
These figures indicate a certain stability in early communities.
Cycladic Figurine: Marble statues such as this, produced in the Bronze Age from about 2800 to 2300 BC, have been found in a number of tombs in the Cyclades.
Minoan "Bathtub" Sarcophagus: This type of coffin, dating to 1400 BC, is found only in Minoan art.
It was probably used for a high-status burial.
Mycenaean Death Mask: Large amounts of worked gold were discovered at wealthy Mycenae, the city of Agamemnon.
Masks like this were laid over the faces of the dead.
Cyclopean Walls: Mycenaean citadels, such as this one at Tiryns, were encircled by walls of stone so large that later civilizations believed they had been built by giants.
It is unclear whether the walls were used for defence or just to impress.
Minoan Sea Scene: The wall paintings on the island of Santorini were preserved by the volcanic eruption at the end of the 16th century BC.
This section shows ships departing from a coastal town.
In contrast to the warlike Mycenaeans, Minoan art reflects a more stable community which dominated the Aegean through trade, not conquest.
Mycenaean Octopus Jar: This 14thcentury BC vase's decoration follows the shape of the pot.
Restrained and symmetrical, it contrasts with relaxed Minoan prototypes.
WHERE TO SEE PREHISTORIC GREECE The Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens has Greece's leading collection of Cycladic figurines.
The remains at Mycenae are extensive and the museum at Nafplio displays finds from this and other Mycenaean sites, as does the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.
Excavations at Nestor's Palace uncovered tablets written in Linear B script.
These earliest examples of Greek language can be seen in the museum at nearby Chora, together with frescoes and pottery from the palace.
Both the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures found their peak in the Palace periods of the 2nd millennium when they were dominated by a centralized religion and bureaucracy.
Neolithic Head (3000 BC): This figure was found on Alónnisos in the Sporades.
It probably represents a fertility goddess who was worshipped by farmers to ensure a good harvest.
These figures indicate a certain stability in early communities.
Cycladic Figurine: Marble statues such as this, produced in the Bronze Age from about 2800 to 2300 BC, have been found in a number of tombs in the Cyclades.
Minoan "Bathtub" Sarcophagus: This type of coffin, dating to 1400 BC, is found only in Minoan art.
It was probably used for a high-status burial.
Mycenaean Death Mask: Large amounts of worked gold were discovered at wealthy Mycenae, the city of Agamemnon.
Masks like this were laid over the faces of the dead.
Cyclopean Walls: Mycenaean citadels, such as this one at Tiryns, were encircled by walls of stone so large that later civilizations believed they had been built by giants.
It is unclear whether the walls were used for defence or just to impress.
Minoan Sea Scene: The wall paintings on the island of Santorini were preserved by the volcanic eruption at the end of the 16th century BC.
This section shows ships departing from a coastal town.
In contrast to the warlike Mycenaeans, Minoan art reflects a more stable community which dominated the Aegean through trade, not conquest.
Mycenaean Octopus Jar: This 14thcentury BC vase's decoration follows the shape of the pot.
Restrained and symmetrical, it contrasts with relaxed Minoan prototypes.
WHERE TO SEE PREHISTORIC GREECE The Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens has Greece's leading collection of Cycladic figurines.
The remains at Mycenae are extensive and the museum at Nafplio displays finds from this and other Mycenaean sites, as does the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.
Excavations at Nestor's Palace uncovered tablets written in Linear B script.
These earliest examples of Greek language can be seen in the museum at nearby Chora, together with frescoes and pottery from the palace.
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