it. Two such structures, meeting at the topmost curve create an arch. become chemically bonded to the plaster. The passage to a beehive tomb.

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1 1 The Aegean: Cycladic, Minoan, and Mycenaean Art Study Guide Questions contains Hidden text 1. Define the following terms: Linear B - one of the two earliest scripts found on Crete that was possibly inspired by Egyptian hieroglyphics. This is the only one that has been deciphered (@1953) pre-homeric form of Greek corbeled arch - courses of stone or brick in which each course projects beyond the one beneath it. Two such structures, meeting at the topmost curve create an arch. wet (or true) fresco - Pigments mixed with water and applied to wet plaster, thus the colors become chemically bonded to the plaster. Cyclopean walls - (sike-lo-pee-an) Giant and massive walls built using large, irregular blocks without mortar. Greeks thought they were built by the mythical race of giants - Cyclops. tell - pithoi - mound In Near Eastern archeology, a hill or mound, usually an ancient site of habitation. (PITH-oss) large clay storage jars for wine, grain, oil or honey. Frequently the jars were set into the earth, therefore not having nor needing a flat base. dromos - The passage to a beehive tomb. repoussé - (ruh-poo-say) Formed in relief by beating a metal plate from the back, leaving the impression on the face. The metal plate is hammered into a hollow mold of wood or some other pliable materials and finished with a graver. tholos - (THOH-los) A circular structure, generally in Classical Greek style; also an ancient circular tomb. in situ - (IN SI-too) In place; in original position. citadel - A fortress in a commanding position in or near a city

2 2 bastion - a projecting part of a rampart or other fortification defense or resistance rhyton (RIGHT-on) An ancient Greek ceremonial drinking vessel with a base usually in the form of a head of an animal, a woman, or a mythological creature. 2. Identify and briefly state the importance of the archeological work of each of the following: Heinrich Schliemann - between German amateur archaeologist using ancient Greek literature as a source uncovered important Trojan and Achaean heroes of Homer. Troy, Mycenae, Orchomenos, Tiryns (@ 1870 excavation at Hissarlik in northwest corner of Asia Minor and dug in a tell with many cities on top of each other.) Arthur Evans - English archaeologist - explored 1900, he uncovered palaces at Knossos, and excavated at Phaistos, Hagia Triada, and other important sites along the southern coast of Crete. Using the Bibliography at the back of the text, write down the title and date of publication of one work by each of these archeologists. 3. Identify the following: Minoan - art of Crete, named after King Minos Helladic - art of mainland Greece Cycladic - art of the islands of the Cyclades north of Crete Mycenaean - the art associated with Mycenae on mainland Greece. The Mycenaean culture is classed under late Helladic c B.C. Thera - volcanic islands of Santorini, 60 miles north of Crete, site of huge seismic explosion that probably destroyed palaces of Crete.

3 3 4. Write down three characteristics that differentiate the culture of the Aegean civilization from those of Egypt and Mesopotamia. a. sea - dominated geography, produced a busy commercial, seafaring culture b. decentralized authority c. vigorous, vivacious, pleasure loving way of life 5. What are potsherds? Why are they important for archeological research? Broken pieces of pottery, when found in garbage dumps can produce stratified layers somewhat dateable. Useful when there is little documentary or monumental remains. 6. List three stylistic characteristics of the Early Bronze Age statuettes from the Cyclades. a. nude females with arms folded across abdomen b. "planer idols", flat, highly schematized c. range from normal proportions to those that are similar to violins few inches to -> life-size traces of paint, parts were colored usually at least the eyes, painted necklaces and bracelets. 7. The "old" palaces of Crete are thought to have been built in the Middle MINOAN period, around the year 2000 B.C.. They were destroyed around 1700 B.C. Give two possible reasons for the lack of fortification in Crete palaces. a. power of the Cretan navies b. long enduring insular peace (perhaps as a result of the naval force) 8. When did the potter's wheel come into use on Crete? At the beginning of the Old Palace period c B.C. 9. The golden age of Crete developed when the "new" palaces were built around B.C. and lasted until they were destroyed, which was around 1400 B.C..

4 4 10. List four characteristics of the palace at Knossos. a. great rectangular court b. northwest corner: arena theatre like area with seats on two sides. Possible forerunner of the Greek theatre. c. north/south corridor separate official and ceremonial rooms from mgazines where wine grain honey, oil, were stored in large jars (pithoi) d. east/west corridor separate king's and queen's quarters and reception rooms (south) from the workmen's and servant's rooms (north). e. Underneath an effective terra cotta drainage system. - probably made this palace one of the most sanitary cities in the world before the 20th century f. Walls of rough unshaped field stone set in mortar. Building corners and window openings built of Ashlar masonry (shaped blocks of stone) 11. In what way did the shape of a Minoan column differ from that of other columns? Bulbous, cushion like capitals and columns taper toward the base. 12. In Minoan painting, human beings were most often represented in profile pose with full-view eye, similar to conventions observed in Egypt and Mesopotamia, but they can be identified as Minoan because proud, self confident bearing; free movement; vivacity & spontaneity; curving line that suggests the elasticity of the living & moving; casual arrangement of figures & variation of pose; long curly hair 13. Which characteristics of Minoan ceramic decoration are apparent in The Octopus Jar (FIG. 4-16)? a. imagery embraces piece & emphasize the elastic volume understanding of relationship between the decoration of the vessel and its shape. b. silhouette of dark, naturalistic forms on a light ground. c. naturalism in decoration. 14. What is particularly significant about the depiction of the human faces on The Harvester Vase (FIG. 4-18)? Their self awareness in which they represent themselves as they are in conditions and situations unrestricted by tradition. Facial expressions rendered with exactitude; degrees of hilarity and vocal effort are clearly visible shown by tension or relaxation of facial muscles. HUMAN FACE AS VEHICLE FOR ILLUSTRATING EMOTIONAL STATE. 15. List three characteristics of Minoan sculpture as seen in the Snake Goddess (FIG. 4-20). a. arms released from body b. open bodice & flounced skirt worn by Minoan. Fashioning god in own image and example. c. Small scale in the round. 16. Who was Pausanias? Ancient sight seer and guidebook author.

5 5 17. What source seems to have influenced the composition of the Lion Gate of Mycenae? Cretan seals (not too distant from Mesopotamia heraldic compositions. 18. Describe the structure of a beehive tomb. long passage called a dromos beehive shape of round tomb chamber called tholos created by corbeled courses of stone, cut to the curve of the wall lofty vaulted dome without interior supports covered with dirt 19. Locate each of the following on the map on Study Guide page 31: Aegean Sea Tiryns Crete Vaphio Cyclades Troy (Ilium) Knossos There Mycenae

6 6 Discussion Questions 1. What are the current theories concerning the origin and demise of the Minoan culture and the relationship between Minoans and Mycenaeans?

7 7 2. Select a Minoan fresco and an Egyptian example and compare them. What differences do you see in the artists' approaches to composition and form, particularly in the depiction of motion and vitality?

8 8 3. In what ways does the palace at Knossos (FIGS. 4-5 to 4-9) differ from the palace of Sargon II at Khorsabad (FIGS and 2-29), from the Palace of Darius at Persepolis Figs and 2-41), and from the citadel of Tiryns (figs. 4-21)? What do these differences seem to reflect about the major concerns of each civilization?

9 9 4. What explanation can you give for the obvious difference in style between the Vaphio Cups (fig 4-28) and The Warrior Vase (fig 4-29), which were all found in Mycenaean graves?