Rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century through the work of British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, the Minoan Civilization, whose earliest beginnings were from c. 3500 BC on the island of Crete, became one of the most developed, complex urban civilizations in antiquity. Yet we still know so little about them.
The Minoans may have left behind a number of impressive building complexes, sophisticated art, and writing systems, however archaeologists and scholars are yet to decipher Linear A and B, the only-known scripts used for writing the Minoan language.
It is this mystery that makes the Minoans such a fascinating ancient civilization to study and explore, but which limits the extent to which we can understand Minoan culture and history.
This documentary, featuring Dr Andrew Shapland, Prof Nicoletta Momigliano and Dr Ester Salgarella, explores what little we do know about the Minoans, as well as the challenges facing scholars looking study this mysterious, ancient civilization.
Up Next in Ancient
-
The Life of Julius Caesar with Simon ...
Historian and archaeologist Simon Elliott has written extensively on the Roman world. He answers the key questions surrounding one of history's most compelling figures - Julius Caesar. Who was Julius Caesar and what was his family history? How did military and political changes aid the rise of Ju...
-
Debunking The Myths Of Tutankhamun
Who was Tutankhamun? How did he die? Was Tutankhamun's tomb cursed? In this video we attempt to answer all these questions and more with Prof Joyce Tyldesley from the University of Manchester.
Tutankhamun, 'The Boy King' of Ancient Egypt, is one of history's most famous names. Though his short r...
-
The World of Stonehenge Revealed: Dec...
Described as the "most important piece of prehistoric art to be found in Britain in the last 100 years", an elaborately decorated 5000 year-old chalk cylinder, discovered buried with 3 child skeletons in Yorkshire and as old as the first phase of Stonehenge, is going on display at the British Mus...
23 Comments