Minoan art

Art of a Bronze Age civilization that flourished on the Mediterranean island of Crete from about 3000 BC to 1000 BC. The term originates from the legendary King Minos, ruler of Crete in Greek mythology, and was first used in 1894 by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, whose extensive excavations on the island form the basis of our understanding of Minoan art. Knowledge of Minoan culture is based almost entirely on archaeological evidence rather than written sources, and in many ways the culture remains mysterious. However, the quality and quantity of surviving artefacts show that the island was highly prosperous (it has a good climate and plentiful natural resources and was well situated for trade in the ancient world), and it seems to have enjoyed lengthy periods of peace. The civilization was evidently destroyed shortly before 1000 BC, perhaps partly because of an earthquake and partly because of invasion.

The most important city of ancient Crete was Knossos, and the huge palace there is the best remaining example of Minoan culture. There were at least two later palaces on the original site, built between 2000 BC and 1600 BC, which was the high point of Minoan culture. The palaces were complex and sophisticated in design, with numerous courtyards and staircases, and they were virtually unfortified, suggesting the settled nature of the civilization. Numerous frescoes have been uncovered at Knossos, and Minoan art also survives in the form of small-scale sculpture, jewellery, and metalwork. The most extensive remains of Minoan art are found in pottery, ranging from giant wine jars to small, exquisitely decorated vessels. The decoration is sometimes abstract, but often incorporates imagery involving sea creatures. Another creature that figures prominently in Minoan art is the bull, which featured in religious ritual (in Greek mythology, King Minos kept a monster – the Minotaur – that was half-man and half-bull).

The best collection of Minoan art is in the Archaeological Museum at Heraklion on Crete. The finest representation outside Crete is in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, most of it from the collection of Sir Arthur Evans.