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 Searching for Stories
-
24 Hours in Medieval Armour
Luke Tomes undertakes a series of challenges around England's capital wearing 14th century full-plate armour.
In this video, you'll find out what life was like for medieval knights in battle and on crusade, how they trained for combat, how much their armour cost them and most importantly, how th...
-
Fort Laramie: America's Road West
On the Great Plains of North America, where the flatlands meet the Rocky Mountains and the buffalo once roamed, trailed by Cheyenne, Arapahoe and Sioux, there stood an oasis for westward migrants in search of new lives and fortunes…
It’s called Fort Laramie.
In this thought-provoking film, Don ...
-
The Trials of Joan of Arc
We all know the name, Joan of Arc. But who really was this celebrated voice of the people of France? For some she is a simple peasant girl - one of the people. For others, she is a champion of nation and church. For the English, she was simply the enemy.
Dr Eleanor Janega is on a mission to deci...
27 Comments