Aegean Art B.C.

2 civilizations on the Aegean Sea – Minoan – on the island of Crete – Mycenaean – on Greek mainland – Both thought to be mythological because they were only known by Homer in the Iliad. (written in 900 B.C) – In the late 1800’s the cities and their art were discovered by archeologists

Minoan Art Richest of the two civilizations Palace of Minos in Knossos had running water, sewage system, theater, storerooms, elaborately decorated rooms People lived a more relaxed, luxurious life

Bull Dance (1500 BC) Frescos painted on walls tell us about their lives

Mycenaean Art A warrior civilization Built citadels – fortresses surrounded by walls of enormous stone blocks to protect a town The stones were so large that later Greeks thought they were built by the mythological figure, Cyclopes, a one-eyed giant

Gold artifacts were found in tombs in 1876 Vaphio Cup Funeral Mask of King Agamemnon

Aegean Question 1. Why did people suspect the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations existed even before archaeologists discovered their ruins?