Introduction to Greek Art
Mycenæan Art

Calendar of Events in Proto Greek History

Prehistory 7000 - 2800 BC

Evidence exists of sporadic human presence in the Aegean region (nomads, hunters, fruit gatherers; cultural affinities with the Balkans) in Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.

About 7,000 BC, Europe's first groups of farmers and herders appear in Macedonia, Thessaly, the Peloponnese, the Cyclades, and Crete, probably in migrations from the East. Eventually a thriving trade network is established, with land and sea routes extending across the continent (especially for obsidian, amber, and salt).

In 6,000 to 4,000 BC large settlements develop, several (like Sesklo and Dhimini) with a proto-urban structure and fortifications. About 4,500 BC manufacture of native copper make their appearance; widespread use of copper contributes to agricultural development and population growth, with more organized social structures.

Neolithic Cycladic Art: 2800 - 2000 BC

With the Bronze Age come the first waves of Indo-European migration. Cultural affinities emerge between mainland Greece, the Aegean islands, and the Anatolian seaboard. The Cyclades became a flourishing center of trade, hand-in-hand with the rise of a powerful elite.

Sandstone Statuette Head from Antiparos about 4500 BC	Violin Statuette of a Man from Paros about 3000 BC	Painted Kurorophos from Sesklo about 3500 BC
Marble Hunter/Warrior from Cycladies about 2500 BC Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art Athens, Greece		Terracotta Vessel about 2500 BC Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art Athens, Greece
Idol from Amorgos about 2300 BC Archaeological Museum Athens, Greece	Bard from Keros near Amorgos about 2300 BC Archaeological Museum Athens, Greece	Statuette of a Woman from Syros about 2100 BC
Cycladic Flute Player about 2000 BC	Cycladic Idol from Amorgos about 2000 BC Archaeological Museum Athens, Greece	Minoan Bronze Basin with a Decoraded Rim from Cyprus about 2000 BC

Minoan Art: 2000 - 1450

In about 1900 BC the first Western state model is developed in Crete. Palace-settlements, built as residences for the Minos, become centers of political power and economic production. After the destruction and reconstruction (1700 BC) of the palace-settlements, Minoans enjoy maritime supremacy over the Aegean. However by 1700 BC, the Achaeans had invaded much of Greece. In 1500 the disaster of Thera heralded the end; the Achaeans conquered Minoan Crete in 1450 BC.

Minoan Eleven Inch High Vase from Crete 1900 BC	Minoan Octopus Vase from Crete 1500 BC
Minoan Rock Crystal Rhyton from Crete before 1500 BC	Minoan Gold Rhyton from Crete before 1500 BC

 

Minoan Boxers from Akrotiri Thera 1650 BC	Minoan Fisherman from Akrotiri Thera 1650 BC	Minoan Woman Knossos Crete 1450 BC
Minoan Garden Fresco from Crete before 1000 BC		Minoan Prince of the Water Lilies from Knosos, Crete about 1400 BC

 

The 1500 BC Eruption of the Theran Volcano

In about 1500 BC the volcanic island of Thera with a thriving Minoan culture exploded. The majority of the island disappeared leaving only the edge of the island and a gigantic caldera filled with water. Nea Kamini and the other islands in the center of the caldera represent recent volcanic activity which is slowly rebuilding the island.

It is a beautiful place to visit. Fira is the main city; Oia a smaller center with a great view. Akrotiri is an archeological site of a Minoan settlement that was covered by the volcanic eruption in 1500 BC.

 

Thera Crater with Fira perched on the Edge picture taken from Nea Kamini

Map of Modern Thera showing the original outline of the island.

Modern Fira at Dusk

 

 

Early Written Language in Greece

 

Examples of Early Greek written Language: Minoan Linear A (about 2000 BC) Late Mycenæan Linear B (about 1450 BC)

Linear B writing on a pot

 

Continue with Mycenæan Art

 

Introduction to Greek Art

 

2003-03-05