#minoancivilization

[whencyclopedia]

The stone Kernos for food offerings of the collected harvest, the Minoan settlement of Malia, Crete (1650-1450 BCE).

[planet-gay-comic]

The Minoan Civilization: A Surprisingly Modern Society

The Minoan civilization, which flourished on the island of Crete, is renowned for its advanced and, for its time, unusually liberal society. Although our knowledge of the Minoans is incomplete due to limited written sources and primarily based on archaeological finds, a picture emerges of a culture that, from around 2700 to 1450 BC, exhibited remarkable openness, equality, and joie de vivre.

Equality and Tolerance

Current archaeological and anthropological studies often highlight the Minoans' liberal attitude. Researchers like Nanno Marinatos have examined the religious and social structures of the Minoans and found that this society exhibited an unusually high level of gender equality for its time. Women actively participated in public life, possibly held leadership positions such as priestesses, and enjoyed similar rights to men in the private sphere.

Regarding sexuality, the Minoans also appear to have adopted a tolerant attitude. Artistic depictions of intimate relationships between same-sex individuals suggest that such relationships were accepted in Minoan society. Although the interpretation of these depictions is debated among scholars, there are numerous indications that the Minoans had a more open stance towards various forms of love and romance, including same-sex relationships. The portrayal of homoerotic scenes in art and a relaxed attitude towards sexuality indicate that such relationships were accepted and respected in Minoan society.

Katherine A. Schwab: Her work on Minoan frescoes and the analysis of the scenes depicted provide insights into the social dynamics and possible homoerotic aspects of Minoan culture. Current archaeological and anthropological studies often emphasize the Minoans' liberal attitude. Researchers like Nanno Marinatos have examined the religious and social structures of the Minoans and found that this society exhibited remarkable openness and tolerance towards various lifestyles.

Cultural and Social Freedom

Minoan culture was characterized by its artistic flourishing and a preference for the beautiful and pleasurable. The Minoans were masters in the art of fresco painting, ceramics, and architecture. Their palaces, such as the famous Palace of Knossos, were not only political and economic centers but also places of art and culture.

The Minoans lived in close contact with nature, as reflected in their frescoes, which often depicted dolphins, lilies, and other natural motifs. This deep connection with the natural environment is also evident in their appreciation of water, which likely played a significant role in ritual purification and bathing practices.

Festivals, dances, and athletic competitions were integral parts of social life. These events provided not only entertainment but also strengthened the Minoan community and identity through shared experiences.

Religion and Spirituality

Religion played a central role in the lives of the Minoans, and their spiritual practices reflected their liberal values. The Minoan religion was matriarchal, with goddesses such as the Snake Goddess being central figures. The worship of goddesses is often associated with the high status of women in society, as they symbolized aspects such as female fertility and the power of nature.

Rituals and religious ceremonies were opportunities for the community to gather, celebrate, and express their connection with nature and the divine. These rituals, often accompanied by music and dance, emphasized harmony and unity with the environment.

The Minoan civilization was, in many ways, a fascinating and progressive culture, whose societal structure differed from many other ancient cultures. Their values of equality, cultural freedom, and spiritual connectedness remain relevant and inspiring today. The Minoans show us that progressive societal forms were not only a phenomenon of modernity but also existed in antiquity.

Text supported by GPT-4o, Gemini AI

Base images generated with DALL-E, overworked with SD-1.5/SDXL inpainting and composing.

[finallyviciousglyph]

Europe’s First Civilization Had Running Water! 

“Did the volcano bury history?

“Before Athens… before Rome… there was a forgotten civilization that built palaces with running water!”

“Welcome to ancient Crete — home of the mysterious Minoans.

Over 3,500 years ago, the Minoans ruled the seas and built the stunning Palace of Knossos — with flushing toilets, multi-story buildings, and intricate frescoes.

They worshipped goddesses, played sports, and may have inspired the myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth.

And their ships? Ruled the Mediterranean long before Greek triremes ever touched the water.

But then… they vanished. Some blame a volcanic eruption. Others say a tsunami wiped them out.

Whatever the reason — Europe’s first great civilization left behind more than myths… They left mysteries.”

#youtubeshorts #history #... #MinoanCivilization, #PalaceOfKnossos, #Ancientrete,  #EuropeFirstCivilization, #LostCivilizations, #MinoanMystery,  #AncientPlumbing, #GreekMyths, #HistoryShorts, #AncientEurope,  #BronzeAgeMystery, #MythVsHistory, #FlushingToiletsBC,  #KnossosLabyrinth, #HistoryUncovered, #VolcanicExtinction,  #AtlantisTheory, #ArchaeologyFacts, #MinotaurMyth,#AegeanSeaPower,  #MaritimeCivilization, #HistoryIn60Seconds, #FamousRuins,  #AncientEngineering, #CulturalOrigins, #EuropeAncientHistory,  #CretanPalace, #MythicalCivilizations, #OldestCultures, #ShortsThatTeach,

[arthistoryfeed]

Our t-shirt design inspired by the "Minoan Octopus Vase" is now in stocks on the Amazon US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan.

One link for these countries + worldwide: http://geni.us/minoanoctopus

[alexmarkakis]

Quality is not an act, it is a habit. Archaeological Museum Heraklion #Archaeological #Museum #Heraklion #knossos #crete #greece #knossospalace #travel #archeology #minoan #minoancivilization #minotaur #creta #history #ancientgreece #ancient #photography (at Heraklion Archaeological Museum) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWYqrcYMIMr/?utm_medium=tumblr

[cretewanderer]

Journey back in time and immerse yourself in the wonder of Knossos Palace, where the ancient Minoan civilization is brought to life through stunning wall paintings. From mythical beasts to everyday scenes, these colorful frescoes offer a glimpse into a world that existed thousands of years ago. Discover the magic of Knossos Palace and explore the wonders of Crete with Crete Wanderer. Our expert guides will take you on a journey of discovery to experience the best of what this beautiful island has to offer. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or culture, we have a tour for you. Book your trip today and let us show you the treasures of Crete. #KnossosPalace #MinoanCivilization #CreteWanderer #ExploreCrete #DiscoverThePast #TravelGoals #HistoryLovers #VisitCrete #GreekIslands #Wanderlust #CreteWanderer (στην τοποθεσία Knossos Palace & Archaeological Site) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co2aDinIoVf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[gts53655365]

Double axe bracelet in sterling silver 925 #doubleaxesymbol #minoanaxe #silverbraceletoanjewelry #axebracelet #doubleaxe #mi #minoancivilization #cretanaxe #etsygifts #etsyfinds #etsymarketplace #instagifts #instajewelry #instabracelets #braceletforhim #braceletforher #classicaljewelry https://etsy.me/3Cj5Swz https://www.instagram.com/p/CjabHiCIne0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[quokkamocha]

According to FB memories, it’s 10 years since my last minute trip to Crete. Went with Smartwings from Prague and the flight was dead cheap. The place was beautiful and I still remember how nice everyone was, although I didn’t do too well in the heat! Would love to go back one day. #travel #greece #crete #iraklioncrete #europe #mediterranean #marina #boats #fish #minoancivilization https://www.instagram.com/p/CftSw4osWE4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[paulasdiscoveries]

Minoan Palace of Knossos 🏰 Crete, Greece 🌍 🤠🏛🤠 The Palace dates back to the Broze Age (3300 - 1200) and was one of the major economic centre's of the Minoan civilisation. 🐳🐋🐬🐟🐠🐡🦈🐙🐚🐳🐋🐬🐟🐠🐡 This room, known as the Queens Room, can be found in the residential quarters of the East Wing and is one of my favorite rooms. This room is believed to be the private reception room from the Queen of Knossos. 👸🏽 Due to her husband's travels he decorated the room with the maritime life he encountered for them to enjoy together. (According to the tour guide) 🐳🐋🐬🐟🐠🐡🦈🐙🐚🐳🐋🐬🐟🐠🐡 #discoveries #travel #traveler #travellife history #archaeology #archaeologylovers #archaeologystudent #archaeological #archaeologystudent #excavation #excavator #excavating #fresco #arthistory #art #knossos #knossospalace #minoan #minoancivilization #bronzeage #greece🇬🇷 #greece #greece_travel #crete #creteisland #cretediscovery (at Knossos) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca8lFgmr31w/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[oragentleman]

All We Need is Crete Www.oragentleman.com ▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎ #cretegreece #creteisland #creta #crète #cretelife #cretanlandscape #cretanfood #cretanculture #cretangastronomy #cretanwine #cretanwines #cretan_stories #cretanbeaches #seitanlimania #seitanlimani #seitanlimaniabeach #minoancivilization #minoanart #minoans #cretenature #visitcrete #visitcreta #visitchania #visitheraklion #visitrethymno #visitlasithi #heraklioncrete #chaniacrete #rethymnocrete #lasithicrete https://www.instagram.com/p/CR-zzc3sOU4/?utm_medium=tumblr

[michael-svetbird]

: • "MINOAN HERO": A Female Warrior Character in Minoan Armour . Concept drawing / design of one of the characters for a computer game yet to be released. [ Trident was requested by the game designers as a reference / dedication to Poseidon ] . . #conceptsketch #characterdesign #historical #gamecharacter #illustration #sketch #minoan #μινωικός #ancient #ancienthistory #minoancivilization #ancientcrete #mythology #minoan_warrior #ancientwarrior #warrioress #warriorwoman #femalewarrior #ancientamazons #amazons #воительница possibly : #amazon #amazzone #amazonka #amazone #amazonlar #mythicalcreatures #historicalreenactment #amazonimages #michaelsvetbird 2020 @michael_svetbird (at Ancient Greece) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCI66rFqryk/?igshid=y0ozwpg7x1ec

[whencyclopedia]

As the cradle of European civilization and a meeting place of diverse cultures, Crete is a magical island that stands apart in the heart of the Mediterranean sea. Its prominent place in world history dates back to the mysterious and fascinating Bronze Age civilization of the Minoans, who were building lavish labyrinth-like palaces at a time when Athens was just a village. In the Odyssey, Homer describes Crete as a rich land, filled with countless people who speak several languages. The location of this mountainous island, at a crossroad of three continents, has been a natural outpost of consecutive invaders, including the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, and Ottomans, who have left their mark on Cretan culture. Remainders of Crete's extraordinary past are scattered all over the island. Today, travellers come to explore and discover not only its five-millennium-old history but also its extraordinary natural beauty and diversity. As I journeyed through the Cretan landscape, I visited its most important ancient sites, including the famous Minoan palaces, but also veered off the beaten track to explore the lesser-known archaeological remains. In this tour of western Crete, I invite you to delve into the long and rich history of this fascinating island. The Minoan civilization emerged on the island of Crete in the Early Bronze Age at the end of the third and beginning of the second millennium BCE. It flourished from c. 2000 BCE until c. 1500 BCE with the establishment of centres, called "palaces" by modern archaeologists, that concentrated political and economic powers, as well as artistic activities. Of particular significance was the religious role played by the palaces in the cult of the Mother Goddess. These impressive edifices were built at Knossos and Malia in the northern part of the island, at Phaistos in the south, and Zakros in the east, all sites with a rich agricultural hinterland and direct access to the most important sea routes of the time. The British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans discovered the first of these palaces in Knossos in 1900 CE and named the people who built them after the legendary King Minos. It was King Monos who, according to tradition, ordered the construction of a labyrinth in Knossos to hold the Minotaur, the mythical half-man, half-bull creature. The Minoan culture spread throughout the entire eastern Mediterranean world and its stunning art and architecture deeply influenced the Mycenaean Civilization (1600-1100 BCE) that would succeed it. After the downfall of the Mycenaeans, Crete was ruled by various ancient Greek city-states until the Romans conquered the island in 69 BCE and made Gortyn their capital. Under Roman rule, Crete re-emerged as a major cultural centre and became the joint province of Crete and Cyrenaica and a centre of early Christianity. When the Roman Empire split into two, Crete was made part of the Eastern Empire. It continued to prosper during the Byzantine era until it faced repeated Arab raids and, ultimately, full conquest in the 820s CE. Today the central and western parts of the island are blessed with archaeological treasures which include the famous sites of Knossos, Phaistos and Gortyn but also Aptera, Phalasarna and Eleutherna, all with significant architectural remains as compelling evidence of Crete's long and varied history.

[planet-gay-comic]

Watch the Video on youtube:

The Sporty & Joyful Life of the Minoans 🏛💖✨🎶

The Minoan Civilization: A Surprisingly Modern Society

The Minoan civilization, which flourished on the island of Crete, is renowned for its advanced and, for its time, unusually liberal society. Although our knowledge of the Minoans is incomplete due to limited written sources and primarily based on archaeological finds, a picture emerges of a culture that, from around 2700 to 1450 BC, exhibited remarkable openness, equality, and joie de vivre.

Equality and Tolerance Modern archaeological and anthropological studies frequently highlight the Minoans' liberal attitudes. Researchers like Nanno Marinatos have examined the religious and social structures of the Minoans and found that their society displayed an unusually high level of gender equality for its time. Women actively participated in public life, possibly held leadership positions as priestesses, and enjoyed similar rights to men in private spheres.

Regarding sexuality, the Minoans also seem to have embraced a tolerant attitude. Artistic depictions of same-sex relationships suggest that such relationships were accepted in Minoan society. While interpretations of these depictions remain debated among scholars, there are numerous indications that the Minoans had a more open stance towards various forms of love and romance, including homoerotic relationships.

Katherine A. Schwab, through her work on Minoan frescoes, has provided insights into the social dynamics of Minoan culture, including possible homoerotic aspects. This, combined with the lack of evidence for strict gender or sexual norms, suggests a society that valued personal freedom and expression.

Cultural and Social Freedom Minoan culture was characterized by its artistic flourishing and a strong preference for beauty and pleasure. The Minoans were masters of fresco painting, ceramics, and architecture. Their palaces, such as the famous Palace of Knossos, were not only political and economic centers but also hubs of art and culture.

The Minoans lived in close connection with nature, as reflected in their vivid frescoes depicting dolphins, lilies, and other natural motifs. Their appreciation for water is evident in their ritual purification and bathing practices, which likely held both religious and social significance.

Festivals, dances, and athletic competitions were integral to Minoan society. These events served not only as entertainment but also as ways to strengthen social bonds and express identity through shared experiences.

Religion and Spirituality Religion played a central role in Minoan life, and their spiritual practices mirrored their liberal values. The Minoan religion was largely matriarchal, with goddesses like the Snake Goddess taking central roles. The emphasis on female deities aligns with the high status of women in Minoan society, symbolizing fertility, protection, and the power of nature.

Rituals and religious ceremonies were opportunities for the community to come together, celebrate, and express their connection with the natural and divine worlds. Often accompanied by music and dance, these rituals emphasized harmony, unity, and a deep respect for the environment.

The Minoan civilization was, in many ways, a progressive and unique culture, whose values of equality, artistic freedom, and spiritual connectedness set it apart from many other ancient societies. Their world reminds us that progressive social structures did not begin in modernity—they existed even in antiquity.

Text supported by GPT-4o, Gemini AI Base images generated with DALL-E, FLUX, enhanced with SD-1.5/SDXL inpainting and composing.

[arthistoryfeed]

Octopus vase from Palaikastro, c. 1500 B.C., 27 cm high. Now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Greece.⁣ ⁣ Our new t-shirt design inspired by this mosaic is available on Amazon.com (US). Click for see/buy ⁣ This vase, found at Palaikastro, a wealthy site on the far eastern coast of Crete, is the perfect example of elite Minoan ceramic manufacture. It is 27 cm (about 10.5 inches) high, wheel-made, hand-painted, and meant to hold a valuable liquid—perhaps oil of some kind. Its shape is somewhat unusual, constructed by slipping together, while still leather hard (clay that is not quite dry), two shallow plates which had been made on a fast spinning potter’s wheel and with highly refined clay. The circular bases of these shallow plates are still visible in the center of both sides of the flask. A spout and stirrup-style handles (which would allow the user to carefully control the flow of the liquid out of the container) were added by hand, as well as a base, to facilitate the standing upright of the vessel.⁣ ⁣

[clayhaus]

Minoan priestesses. #minoancivilization #minos #cretegreece #greece #travelphotography #clayhausphotography (at Heraklion Archaeological Museum)

[travelingsaints-blog]

Learning about the Minoan Civilization #greece #knossospalace #studenttravel #minoancivilization (at Knossos Palace & Archaeological Site) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzCv2vGHu0I/?igshid=1x0bllwi30bbu