Ancient Crete
Ancient Crete - The Minoans – 3000 – 1450 BC
Have you ever heard about King Minos and the Minotaur? They are from legends told thousands of years ago and come from the island of Crete, in the Mediterranean Sea. Around 2700 BC the people of Crete began to build up their cities in Knossos, Phaistos, and other places. They established themselves as merchants and crafters. They built palaces and luxurious homes. They sailed the seas and began to be know all around.
Sometime towards the end of 1700 BC there was a very big natural disaster in Crete, perhaps an earthquake or more likely a volcanic eruption, or maybe even an invasion. Their palaces and cities were destroyed, but they rebuilt them and made them even bigger. Then, around 1600 BC there was another natural disaster, which was most likely the eruption of the Thera Volcano. The Minoans rebuilt their cities again, and you guessed it, they were even bigger and better than before.
- Image via Wikipedia
The Minoan cities were city states and were connected by an extensive paved road system. In the middle of each city was a palace with elaborate decorations, windows and seats made of stone. They also had a water system which had hot and cold running water. They got the hot water from the natural hot-springs that came from the volcano. It is sad to think, that the resourse that they used to make their lives more comfortable was linked to the thing that eventually destroyed them.
In Knossos was the largest and most beautiful of all the palaces. It was excavated by Arthur Evens in 1900 AD. Evans restored very big parts of the palace and they can still be seen today. The palace was built and added onto over many thousands of years and eventually covered 20,000 square meters. The buildings were multi-storied, and built out of wood, clay and stone. They were connected with extensive courtyards and hallways that makes one think that the myth of the Minotaur and his Labyrinth had their origins in the Palace of Knossos. The palace at Knossos, was the home to the legendary king Minos. His palace labyrinth was supposedly designed by Dedalos
History for Homeschool Review Questions:
1. Follow the link for the Volcano Thera. What did you find out?
2. Find Crete on a map. Why do you think the location of Crete made it such a good place for seafaring merchants?
3. How did the ancient people on Crete get hot water?
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- CFP: “Minoan Archaeology. Challenges and Perspectives for the 21st Century” (rogueclassicism.com)
Hi, Jeanette,
Are you still gathering resources on ancient history? I will be teaching a class on that subject next year, and I am gathering resources to use.
Have you found any type of study guide for the Susan Bauer book? I would love not to have to create my own!
Thanks,
Ellen
Hi Ellen,
Yes, I am beginning work on this blog again. It has been on the back burner as I homeschooled this year, but am working on updating and making Ancient History for Homeschool a more open forum for all to use and add to. There are some great study guides to go with Susan Bauer’s books, I will send you some links: The Story of the World, Activity Book 1: Ancient Times – From the Earliest Nomad to the Last Roman Emperor
” title=”Susan Bauer Activity Book”>The Story of the World, Activity Book 1: Ancient Times – From the Earliest Nomad to the Last Roman Emperor
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Email us at info@edanywhere.com if you want to be added to our list or if you want a guest user id and password. We appreciate all that you are doing for our homeschool community. http://www.educationanywhere.com or http://www.edanywhere.com
Homeschool High School – I am thrilled to be added to your website directory of resources. I have visited your website and really like what you have to offer.
Thanks,
Jeanette
1. Follow the link for the Volcano Thera. What did you find out?
I found that the Volcano Thera’s crater is 400 meters deep and has a circumference of 83 meters, also the craters was formed by multiple explosions.
2. Find Crete on a map. Why do you think the location of Crete made it such a good place for seafaring merchants?
I think seafaring merchants found it a good place to live because they are surrounded by water, which is not only good for fishing but also for selling and trading to other countries.
3. How did the ancient people on Crete get hot water?
The people on Crete got hot water from the natural hot springs that come from the volcano.
Good answers Julie. Remember to keep the tenses the same though.