1. Chapter 4: The Prehistoric Aegean
Three distinct geographic areas:
Cylcladic (circling island of Delos)
Minoan (isle of Crete)
Helladic (Greek mainland)

2. Early Cycladic Sculpture
These marble statues, created BCE, are striking for their simplification of form in a distinctly modern way. These rare and highly sough after pieces remain mysterious in their purpose and style.

3. Minoan Art
The Old Palace period ended abruptly in 1600 BCE when fire raged through the palaces. Rebuilding began immediately after, and the New Palace, or late Minoan, period gave rise to spectacular new structures. The largest of these palaces was King Minos’ home in Knossos. It was so large and intricate that the word “labyrinth” was derived from the double ax, or labrys, motif that is a recurring decorative motif throughout the palace.

4. Minoan Fresco
Fresco is a painting done on wet plaster. This method is extremely durable, as it bonds the pigments permanently to the wall. The palaces of the Late Minoan were liberally adorned with striking frescos depicting a wide variety of subjects.

5. Pottery was done for the first time on the potter’s wheel
Pottery was done for the first time on the potter’s wheel. Nature motifs dominate. Early examples of different types of sculpture, such as chrselephantine, were found in Minoan palaces.

6. Late Helladic or Mycenean Period
The destruction of the Cretan palaces left mainland Greek culture supreme. The Helladic period is notable for its architectural achievements. The citadel at Tiryns, build BCE, was constructed of giant, rough hewn rock slabs. This type of masonry is still referred to today as Cyclopian as they had a hard time believing humans built these colossal palaces. Mycenean citadels were built for protection and defense.

7. Archway Construction
The treasure at Atreus contained a beehive shaped mortuary temple created using a corbeled arch, where stones are piled in horizontal courses going inward until the blocks meet in a keystone.