Mycenaeans and Minoans History & Facts

Mycenaeans and Minoans History & Facts 

Mycenaeans and Minoans History & Facts

Learn about Mycenaeans and Minoans History & Facts , the city of Knossos, the Greek Dark Ages, the beginning of the Archaic Period, and other historical events in Ancient Greece.

One of the earliest civilizations to emerge in Greece was that of the Minoans, followed by that of the Mycenaeans. Living on the Greek islands, the Minoans constructed a sizable palace on the island of Crete. The Mycenaeans were the first Greek speakers and mostly inhabited continental Greece.

Mycenaeans and Minoans History & Facts

Minoans

On the island of Crete, the Minoans established a significant civilization that existed from about 2600 BC until 1400 BC. A robust navy and extensive trade throughout the Mediterranean Sea served as the foundation for their long-lasting and powerful civilization. Archaeologists refer to the Minoan writing system as “Linear A.”

City of Knossos

The city of Knossos served as the hub of Minoan culture. At its height, Knossos featured a massive palace and a population of over 10,000 people. Inside the palace, a lot of exquisite pottery and artwork have been discovered. Greek mythology states that King Minos formerly held power in the city. In the tale, a creature known as the Minotaur resided in a huge labyrinth that King Minos constructed underneath the palace.

Mycenaeans

Greece’s mainland saw the development of the Mycenaeans, who governed the area from roughly 1600 BC until 1100 BC. Because they were the first to speak Greek, they are also referred to as the first Greeks. The name of the civilisation derives from the name of their biggest city, Mycenae. Mycenae was a sizable city with a peak populace of about 30,000 people. At the height of Ancient Greece, additional Mycenaean cities like Thebes and Athens developed into significant city-states.

Trade was fostered by the Mycenaeans all around the Mediterranean. They constructed enormous trading vessels and sailed to nations like Egypt, where they exchanged metals and ivory for products like wine and olive oil.

Mycenaeans Conquer the Minoans

The Minoan civilization began to weaken around 1450 BC. Archeologists think this might have been due to a natural disaster such as an earthquake. The Mycenaeans took over the islands of the Minoans and adopted much of the Minoan culture. They adapted the writing of the Minoans to their own language. Today this writing is called “Linear B.”

Collapse of the Mycenaeans

The Mycenaean civilization began to collapse around 1250 BC when many of their cities were burnt to the ground. After this, they continued to decline and were not a major power in the region. Archeologists are unsure of what caused the collapse. It might have been foreign invaders such as the Sea Peoples or the Dorians. It may also have been a natural disaster such as an earthquake or drought.

Dark Ages of Greece

After the fall of the Mycenaeans, Greece entered into a dark age. The Greek Dark Age was a period of decline, famine, and lower population throughout the region. This period lasted from around 1100 BC to 800 BC.

Start of the Greek Archaic Period

The civilization that is often referred to as “Ancient Greece” began around 800 BC. The first part of this period is called the Greek Archaic Period. During this time, many Greek city-states began to form and gain power. Early Greek culture began to take shape including the development of Greek philosophy and theater.

Facts About Early Greek History and Origins

• The Minoans were unknown to the modern world until archaeologist Arthur Evans uncovered the city of Knossos in the early 1900s.
• The Minoans were named after King Minos of Crete from Greek Mythology.
• An important symbol to the Minoans was the two-headed axe.
• Mycenaean warriors wore helmets armored with boar tusks.

Mycenaeans and Minoans History & Facts

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