Crete: The Myth of the Minatour and the Archaeology of the Minoans
Crete is best known in Greek Mythology as the home of King Minos, his wife Pasiphae, their daughters Ariadne and Phaedra and Pasiphae's child, the Minotaur. According to the myth, the half-bull, half-man was housed in a labyrinth and killed by the hero Theseus. But who were the Minoans and how did their civilisation, which has been described as the earliest of its kind in Europe, develop into a strong maritime entity which traded throughout the Aegean, notably on mainland Greece, and with Egypt?
This lecture will look at the archaeological evidence we have for the Aegean Bronze Age civilization on the island of Crete, which flourished from about 2600 to 1100 BC and was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century through the work of British archaeologist Arthur Evans.
About the Speaker
Speaker: Sarah Green
Sarah initially studied Ancient History and Archaeology at Manchester University. After a gap of some years, she returned to study on a part-time basis and completed a Certificate in Practical Archaeology through the adult education department at Sussex University. Postgraduate studies resulting in an MA in Classical Civilisation with the Open University and then an MA in Osteoarchaeology at the University of Southampton furthered enthusiasm. These studies then led on to the teaching of a number of adult education courses and day schools, notably in the areas of animal bones, human skeletal remains, Maritime archaeology and the Aegean Bronze Age.
Sarah is a joint director of the Sussex School of Archaeology and History, the 'Keeper of the Keys' of Bramber Castle, a co-founder of the University of Sussex Archaeology Society and a Practitioner of the Chartered Institute for Archaeology. She has travelled extensively around Crete investigating many of the Minoan sites on the island. She has also visited the Bronze Age Mycenaean sites in the Peloponnese on mainland Greece and ancient Troy in Turkey. She divides her time between Bramber in Sussex and Mochlos in Crete.
Please note this is going to be a Zoom lecture. You will be able to ask questions through the online Q&A.
All those who book will be sent a link to join in an email from the USAS prior to the event.
Please also note that you need to book either via an internet Browser or on an Android phone as Eventbrite do not support purchases on the iOS app for iPhone.
We have made the charge as low as possible to help cover our online costs, speakers and other expenses. Any surpluses are added to our reserves to help fund archaeological research in Sussex. If you feel you can afford to pay more than the fee charged, please consider making an additional donation.
We look forward to welcoming you!
