Minoans in Chania

The Minoan civilization, which developed in Crete from the local Neolithic culture around 3100 BC, was the first advanced civilization that flourished in Europe. The term "Minoan" was coined by the archaeologist Arthur Evans after the name of the mythical King Minos, who was believed to have ruled Knossos in the distant past.

History

The Early Minoan period is placed around 3100-2100 BC, and it is the time when the Minoans began to prosper in urban development, erecting monumental buildings at sites that would later evolve into palatial centers. Most towns were constructed in strategic spots, for example on hilltops overlooking the sea or close to natural bays. The Minoans were also engaged in trade and their cultural contacts reached mainland Greece, the Cyclades, Egypt, Cyprus, Anatolia, the Middle East, and even the Iberian peninsula.

The Middle Minoan period (2100-1700 BC) saw a dramatic increase in population and the emergence of Protopalatial society at such sites as Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros. Evidence suggests that it ended as a result of mass destruction by earthquakes.

During the Late Minoan period (1700-1075 BC), society underwent profound changes. Many of the most iconic findings date from this time. New prosperous palaces were built at the site of the pre-existing ones, but the violent eruption of the Thera volcano led to the abandonment of some centers in northeastern Crete. Other sites, such as Knossos, continued to prosper and their eventual destruction around 1470 BC seems to have been deliberate since some of them were spared in a way that is inconsistent with natural disasters. Whether this was caused by Mycenean conquerors or by internal conflicts is still a matter of debate among historians.

The Palatial Centers

The large complexes commonly referred to as palaces consisted of wings arranged around an open rectangular court. They were multi-storeyed, with magnificent interior and exterior staircases, lightwells, pier-and-door partitions, massive inverted columns and spacious storage chambers. They did not develop spontaneously, but were, rather, the culmination of a longer architectural tradition. Rather than being merely royal residences, Minoan palaces served a variety of religious and economic purposes, as they included shrines, administrative offices, workshops and storage rooms. This has led to the conclusion that the Minoan economy revolved around the collection of crops and other goods by a centralized government for redistribution to the population (palace economy).

Minoan cities were connected by narrow roads, which were drained and water and sewage facilities were available to the ruling class through clay pipes. In fact, the architectural feats of waste management constitute one of the defining characteristics of the Minoan era, while water supplies were managed through wells, cisterns and aqueducts. Flat roofs and courtyards were used for collecting water which was stored in cisterns, while there were also water-treatment devices.

Although the most famous Minoan sites in Crete can be found in the regions of Heraklion and Lassithi, many traces of Minoan towns have also been excavated in the prefecture of Chania. Ancient Kydonia is one of these towns, on the site of which the modern town of Chania has been established. Some Minoan ruins have also been excavated in Ancient Falassarna, western Chania, and elsewhere.

Minoan art

Minoan art is characterized by ingenious images whose essential quality is the ability to create a sense of movement. Surviving examples of Minoan art comprise elaborately decorated seals, figurines, pottery, jewelry and metalwork, as well as frescoes inspired by nature and ritual ceremonies. Bull-leaping appears in several types of art and is thought to have had religious significance, perhaps having to do with selecting the elite. The largest and most impressive collection of Minoan art can be found at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.