#Cycladic civilization

[whimsimarion]

Hatsune Miku as a Cycladic idol from the Neolithic period. Reference used:

[epestrefe]

Το εμβληματικό νησί της Δήλου,κοσμοπολίτικο κέντρο της Μεσογείου κατά την αρχαιότητα σήμερα πια ανοιχτό μουσείο...

[blueiscoool]

A CYCLADIC MARBLE FOOTED CUP EARLY CYCLADIC II, CIRCA 2700-2200 B.C.

[aboutanancientenquiry]

Fresco from the bronze age in the minoan town Akrotiri, Santorini, Greece

Source: http://scihi.org/spyridon-marinatos-akrotiri/

[deathlessathanasia]

The Cambridge companion to the Aegean Bronze Age

[whencyclopedia]

Linear A Script

Linear A Script was used by the Minoan civilization centred on Crete during the Bronze Age. Used from around 1850 to around 1450 BCE, the script has never been deciphered. Artefacts bearing Linear A script, most commonly clay tablets, have been found across the Mediterranean, evidence that Minoan trade was conducted with such islands as Rhodes, Thera, and the Cyclades.

Origins & Development

Linear A script is one of a group of written languages that linguists identify as related syllabic scripts used during the Bronze Age in the Aegean and the wider Mediterranean. The oldest identified script in Europe is the Cretan Hieroglyphic script, which was in use from around 2000 to 1650 BCE. This script, which uses pictures to denote objects and later representative sounds, remains undeciphered. Linear A, perhaps arriving a little later (the point is still under debate by historians), was prevalent from around 1850 to 1450 BCE and has also never been deciphered. At the early Minoan palaces, Cretan Hieroglyphic and Linear A script were used simultaneously for a period. There is a clear (but not absolute divide) in terms of artefacts bearing Cretan Hieroglyphic script and Linear A script, with the former appearing more in the north of Crete and the latter more in the south. Linear A script was being used across the whole of the island by the late 16th century BCE.

Linear A script is composed of at least 90 characters, which can be grouped into syllabic signs, ideograms, and symbols which denote numbers and fractions. In addition, monograms were made from the clustering of two or three symbols. The historian H. Thomas suggests that there are over 800 words identifiable in Linear A script. The famed Greek historian S. Alexiou gives the following description of the script:

This script is termed Linear because it is made up of signs which, although derived from ideograms, are no longer recognizable as representations of objects, but consists of lines grouped in abstract formations. (127)

The later Linear B script of the Mycenaean civilization was developed from Linear A (about 70% of Linear A symbols appear in Linear B) and was used to express the language we today call Mycenaean Greek (deciphered in 1952 CE). Linear A script, then, is an important indicator of a continuing though changing culture in the ancient Aegean.

Continue reading...

[literallyjusttoa]

I always found it funny that Apollo is said to be 4000 or so years old in ToA, bc while that is really old mortal wise, it seems actually really young all things considered? I mean, he’s tens of thousands of years younger than humans on earth are, and that’s not even mentioning that half of his family was born long before humans came into existence, so they’ve all got at least like 20,000 years of life over him. That’s almost 5 times his whole life.

My fav idea regarding this is that Apollo and Artemis are the first Olympians to be born after mortals were made by Prometheus. This is kind of maybe supported in myth? Athena and Hephaestus are both active in versions of the mortal creation myth, but none of their younger siblings are shown. I like this bc I think that the younger children of Zeus (Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, and Dionysus) are connected to humans in a way that the rest of the gods are not. It’s the difference between living your whole life with mortals around or having them only show up once you’ve already been around for centuries.

I also like the (probably unintentional) implication Rick made about Apollo and Greece. Doing the math, it seems like Apollo is born sometime in the 2590’s B.C.E, tho it’s hard to be certain with the riordanverse’s mess of a time period. Regardless, he was born around the same time we see major civilization pick up in the Cyclades. Some of our first art pieces from Ancient Greece actually come from this exact time period (there are figurines from Syros and Keros that date to 2700-2300 B.C.E. The one from Keros is even a male lyre player!) This implies that Artemis and Apollo’s birth coincided directly with the birth of Greece. Good for them!

This all also adds to my favorite theory that riordanverse Apollo is the world’s most specialist little boy that connects mortals and gods and is super powerful and also awesome and not like other girls and he could totally overthrow his father for funzies and the fates would applaud him for it.

[uwmspeccoll]

Excavations at Thera

The destruction of Pompeii by the volcano Vesuvius has become synonymous with the nature disaster of volcanic eruptions. The eruption of Vesuvius, among the deadliest in history, was the first natural disaster of its kind to have a first-handwritten account and this documented event has persisted in the public consciousness for nearly two millennia. Yet, despite being the one of the most famous and the deadliest, the eruption of Vesuvius is far from the most destructive. That honor might well go to the eruption of Thera in the 16th or 17th century BCE.

Excavations conducted on this Cycladic Island (among the Aegean Islands), such as the ones recorded in Excavations at Thera a seven-volume set of reports written by by the noted Greek archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos and published by Archaiologikē Hetaireia en Athēnais between 1967-1971, showed that during the Minoan period (2000-1200 BCE) Thera once held an integral port city. Remains showed that though the city was flourishing, its inhabitants abandoned the island for reasons that would soon become apparent to the excavators. It didn’t take long for archaeologists to discover that Thera once held an oval shape, differing greatly to the crescent it is today. Further inspection revealed that several ancient structures were far underwater, pointing to the island collapsing in on itself after their construction. It wasn’t long before the pieces were put together, leading to the discovery that Thera once held an active volcano that erupted in the Minoan period, destroying the island in its entirety.

The collapse of the Minoan civilization has been a mystery that persists to this day, yet finding this once active volcano led many to draw lines of connection between the two events. The reports written by Professor Marinatos reference this theory as near fact when describing the history of the ancient civilization. Such a theory does make a good amount of sense as this eruption would have been much greater than that of Vesuvius with estimated effects reaching all the way to China with reports of a series of harsh winters. Yet as excavations on both the Cycladic Islands and Crete continued, the date for the eruption got pushed back as the fall of the Minoan civilization crept forward. Currently the most accurate date for the eruption of Thera is 1628 BCE with some room for error while the fall of the Minoans sits between 1200-1100 BCE.  

View more of my Classics posts.

– LauraJean, Special Collections Undergraduate Classics Intern

[luszter]

Kamares-style pottery - Kamares ware is a distinctive type of Minoan pottery produced in Crete during the Minoan period, dating to MM IA (ca. 2100 BCE)

Minoan art is the art produced by the Bronze Age Aegean Minoan civilization from about 3000 to 1100 BC, though the most extensive and finest survivals come from approximately 2300 to 1400 BC. It forms part of the wider grouping of Aegean art, and in later periods came for a time to have a dominant influence over Cycladic art. Since wood and textiles have decomposed, the best-preserved (and most instructive) surviving examples of Minoan art are its pottery, palace architecture (with frescos which include "the earliest pure landscapes anywhere"), small sculptures in various materials, jewellery, metal vessels, and intricately-carved seals.

[kebriones]

Hi!

So, my country's history begins at around the 7th century and at school it takes us 2 years to learn all that happened since then (and then, for whatever reason, 2 more years to do that again). And those 14 centuries feel like a lot of history. But last night I realized that (surprise-surprise) Greece exists way longer than my country. So now I wonder where on the timeline do you begin when learning history at school, how long does it take you to go from that to modern days, and does it fell like too much history?

Hi!

(if we're being accurate, greece strictly as a country in the modern sense was recognized in 1830, but yes culturally it does go pretty far back, and then in terms of being inhabited by people it goes even further)

In school here (i might be slightly off , it's been a couple years since I graduated highschool) it takes us about 3 and a half years in primary school:

Halfway through the third grade , when we have finished mythology, we start learning about the stone age, the Cycladic civilization, the minoans and Mycenaeans. In the fourth grade we do classical greece and alex the great, in the fifth Byzantium and in the final grade of primary school we do from 1500s to up until he second world war. It isn't the best of curriculums because we never really learn about the romans, the middle ages in Europe, any asian or African history at all or anything about america beyond the tea incident.

Then in junior high we repeat the same "from Cycladic civilization until the second world war" history in three years, and then in high school we repeat it all once again with the exception that at the first grade of highschool we learn a bit more about other ancient civilizations like the mesopotamians, Egyptians, Persians etc as well as a bit more about the ancient romans. 🥹👍

[whimsimarion]

A cycladic fisherman proudly displays his catch. I barely see anyone making art about the Cycladic civilization (most of the time, it's either the Mycanean or the Minoan Civilization), so I thought of being the first one.

[epostravel]

Discover the Best Things to Do and Visit in Athens

Athens, the ancient capital of Greece, is a city where history, culture, and modernity blend seamlessly. It offers an array of attractions that cater to every type of traveler. From the ancient ruins that speak of Greece's glorious past to vibrant neighborhoods filled with contemporary delights, Athens is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. This comprehensive guide delves into the top things to do and visit in Athens, ensuring you make the most of your time in this historic city.

Explore the Acropolis and its Marvels

The Acropolis is the quintessential symbol of ancient Greece, and a visit to Athens would be incomplete without exploring this historic citadel. Dominating the skyline, the Acropolis houses several ancient monuments, with the most iconic Parthenon. This ancient temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is renowned for its Doric columns and intricate sculptures.

Adjacent to the Parthenon is the Erechtheion, another significant structure known for its Caryatids—sculpted female figures that replace traditional columns. Don't miss the Temple of Athena Nike, a small but exquisitely detailed temple offering breathtaking views of the surrounding city.

The Acropolis Museum

To gain a deeper understanding of the artifacts and history of the Acropolis, a visit to the Acropolis Museum is essential. This modern museum, located at the base of the Acropolis, showcases a vast collection of sculptures, pottery, and artifacts from the ancient site. The museum's transparent floors allow visitors to view the ruins of an ancient Athenian neighborhood beneath.

Wander Through the Plaka Neighborhood

Nestled at the foot of the Acropolis, the Plaka neighborhood is often called the "Old City" of Athens. Its charming, narrow streets are lined with neoclassical houses, quaint shops, and traditional tavernas. Strolling through Plaka provides a glimpse into the city's past, with its picturesque squares and vibrant atmosphere.

Anafiotika: A Hidden Gem

Within Plaka lies Anafiotika, a small and unique area resembling a Cycladic island village. Its narrow streets and whitewashed houses starkly contrast the bustling city, offering a peaceful retreat.

Visit the Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora of Athens was the heart of public life in ancient Greece. This sprawling archaeological site includes the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples, and the Stoa of Attalos, reconstructed to house the Agora Museum. Walking through the Agora allows visitors to imagine the daily life of ancient Athenians and the vibrant marketplace that once thrived here.

The Stoa of Attalos

The Stoa of Attalos is noteworthy for its architectural splendor and historical significance. The reconstructed building now houses a museum that exhibits artifacts from the Agora, providing insight into ancient Athens's political, social, and commercial activities.

Experience the National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is one of the most important museums in Greece. It boasts an extensive collection of ancient Greek art and artifacts, including the Mask of Agamemnon, the Venus of Milo, and the Discobolus (Discus Thrower). The museum's vast exhibits span from the Neolithic to the Roman periods, offering a comprehensive overview of Greek civilization.

Highlights of the Museum

Key highlights of the museum include the Mycenaean Collection, featuring impressive artifacts from the Mycenaean civilization, and the Classical Sculpture Collection, which showcases masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture.

Stroll Through Syntagma Square and Visit the Greek Parliament

Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens and serves as a major hub for locals and tourists. Here, visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard at the Greek Parliament Building, a ceremonial event performed by the Evzones, the elite presidential guard.

The National Garden of Athens

Adjacent to Syntagma Square is the National Garden of Athens, a serene green space that provides a respite from the urban hustle. The garden features walking paths, ponds, and a variety of plant species, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.

Discover the Vibrant Monastiraki Flea Market

The Monastiraki Flea Market is a bustling market that offers an eclectic mix of antiques, souvenirs, and street food. This lively area is a great place to experience the local culture, shop for unique items, and savor traditional Greek snacks.

Food and Dining

Monastiraki is also known for its vibrant dining scene. Enjoy traditional Greek dishes such as souvlaki, gyros, and moussaka at one of the many local tavernas or street food stalls.

Explore the Bohemian Neighborhood of Psiri

The Psiri neighborhood is renowned for its bohemian vibe and vibrant nightlife. The area has various bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Psiri's lively atmosphere and artistic flair make it an excellent spot for evening entertainment.

Cultural Experiences

In Psiri, visitors can explore street art, enjoy theater performances, and experience the city's modern cultural scene.

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Athens?

The best time to visit Athens is spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are smaller compared to the summer months.

2. Are there any day trips from Athens that are worth taking?

Several day trips are worth considering, such as a visit to the Ancient Corinth, the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, and the Saronic Islands, including Hydra and Poros.

3. How can I get around Athens?

Athens has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. For a more local experience, consider exploring the city on foot or by bicycle.

4. What should I wear when visiting Athens?

Comfortable, lightweight clothing and walking shoes are recommended, especially during the warmer months. It's also advisable to carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.

Conclusion

Athens is a city that seamlessly blends its ancient heritage with modern vibrancy. Whether exploring the historic Acropolis, wandering through charming neighborhoods like Plaka and Psiri, or delving into the rich collections of its museums, Athens offers a diverse array of experiences for every visitor. By immersing yourself in the city's cultural and historical tapestry, you'll better appreciate its enduring legacy and dynamic present.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Justpaste.it

[blueiscoool]

Fossilized Olive Leaves Found on Santorini, Greece

Fossilized olive leaves from a tree that was alive 60,000 years ago on the island of Thira (the modern Santorini) are immortalized in the volcanic ash that encased them after an eruption.

The exquisite fossils were discovered at an old pumice quarry on the outskirts of Thira, a town on Santorini; in addition, three new plant fossil sites were also located in abandoned quarries nearby on the island, which was almost completely destroyed in a later eruption that occurred in the year 1650 BC.

Blowing apart the island that at that time was called Thira by its Minoan inhabitants, all that was left was a rim of land encircling a caldera; now known as Santorini, the crescent-shaped island marks one of the most cataclysmic eruptions that has ever taken place within recorded history.

The fossilized olive leaves are now exhibited at the Museum of Prehistoric Thera in the capital Fira on Santorini.

[saurabhanandtripzygo]

Exploring the Enchanting Wonders of Greece A Traveler's Guide 🌅

Greece is a land of ancient myths, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Whether you're a history buff, a beach lover, or a foodie, Greece has something magical to offer. Let’s dive into the enchanting wonders of Greece and discover why it should be on your travel bucket list!

Athens The Cradle of Civilization 🏛️

Start your journey in Athens, the historical heart of Greece. Wander through the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, marvel at the Parthenon, and explore the treasures of the National Archaeological Museum. Don’t forget to stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood, with its narrow streets, quaint shops, and traditional tavernas.

Santorini A Cycladic Gem 🌅

Santorini is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. Relax on the unique black sand beaches, take a boat trip to the volcanic islands, and savor local wines at a cliffside winery. The views from Oia village are simply unforgettable!

Crete A Blend of Nature and History 🌿🏺

Crete, the largest Greek island, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and historical sites. Visit the Palace of Knossos, hike the Samaria Gorge, and unwind on the pristine beaches of Elafonissi and Balos. Crete’s rich history and diverse scenery make it a perfect destination for adventure and relaxation.

Delphi The Navel of the World 🏔️🔮

Delphi, once considered the center of the world in ancient Greek mythology, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater, and the stadium. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains add to the mystical ambiance of this ancient site.

Rhodes Island of the Knights 🏰

Rhodes combines medieval charm with stunning beaches. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Palace of the Grand Master. Enjoy the sun at the beautiful beaches of Lindos and Faliraki, or take a trip to the scenic Valley of the Butterflies.

Meteora Monasteries in the Sky 🏞️

Meteora is a unique and awe-inspiring destination with monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of Greece. The hiking trails around Meteora provide spectacular views and a sense of tranquility.

Thessaloniki A Cultural Melting Pot 🎭

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is known for its vibrant culture and history. Explore the Rotunda, the White Tower, and the Archaeological Museum. Enjoy the city’s lively food scene, bustling markets, and the beautiful waterfront promenade.

Mykonos The Party Paradise 🎉

Mykonos is the go-to destination for party lovers and beach enthusiasts. Dance the night away at world-famous beach clubs, explore the charming streets of Mykonos Town, and relax on the stunning beaches of Paradise and Super Paradise.

Nafplio The Romantic Escape 💕

Nafplio, one of Greece’s most romantic towns, offers a blend of history and charm. Climb the 999 steps to Palamidi Fortress for panoramic views, explore the historic old town, and take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade.

The Peloponnese Rich History and Scenic Beauty 🏞️

The Peloponnese peninsula is a treasure trove of archaeological sites and natural beauty. Visit the ancient theater of Epidaurus, the ruins of Mycenae, and the stunning beaches of Voidokilia. The region’s diverse landscape makes it perfect for road trips and outdoor adventures.

Greece is a land of endless wonders, where history comes alive and natural beauty takes your breath away. Pack your bags and get ready to explore the enchanting wonders of Greece!

Happy travels! 🌍✈️

[deathlessathanasia]

The Oxford Handbook of the Bronze Age Aegean

[whencyclopedia]

Linear A Script

Linear A script was used by the Minoan civilization centred on Crete during the Bronze Age. Used from around 1850 to around 1450 BCE, the script has never been deciphered. Artefacts bearing Linear A script, most commonly clay tablets, have been found across the Mediterranean, evidence that Minoan trade was conducted with such islands as Rhodes, Thera, and the Cyclades.

Continue reading...