6. Which features of Mycenaean civilization came from the Minoans?
Several features of Mycenaean civilization can be traced back to the influence of the Minoans:
1. Palace Centers: The Minoans developed large, centralized palace complexes as administrative and economic centers. The Mycenaeans adopted this architectural style and incorporated similar palace centers at sites like Mycenae and Pylos.
2. Linear B Script: The Mycenaeans adapted the earlier Minoan Linear A script into Linear B script for their own use. Linear B was an early form of Greek writing and was primarily used for administrative purposes.
3. Trade and Commerce: The Minoans were known for their extensive maritime trade networks, and this trading tradition heavily influenced the Mycenaeans. The Mycenaeans engaged in long-distance trade, developed commercial relationships, and established trade routes throughout the Mediterranean.
4. Art and Iconography: The Minoans had a distinct artistic style characterized by vibrant frescoes, intricate ceramics, and elaborate jewelry. The Mycenaeans adopted and adapted many of these artistic techniques, incorporating Minoan motifs and designs into their own artwork.
5. Religion and Mythology: The Minoans had a complex religious and mythological belief system, with emphasis on female deities such as the Goddess of Nature (Potnia Theron) and the Snake Goddess. Some of these deities and religious practices appear to have influenced the Mycenaean pantheon and religious rituals.
Overall, the Minoans played a significant role in shaping Mycenaean culture, particularly in areas such as architecture, writing, trade, art, and religion.
a) their building of settlements on the Greek mainland
b) their use of an army to conquer nearby peoples
c) their alphabet and system of writing
d) their religious beliefs and practices
I apologize for the incorrect information in my previous response. The Minoans did not directly influence the Mycenaeans in the areas of building settlements on the Greek mainland, the use of an army to conquer nearby peoples, or their alphabet and system of writing. The Minoans were primarily centered on the island of Crete and did not establish settlements on the Greek mainland. The Mycenaeans, on the other hand, developed their own military capabilities and conquered various peoples to establish their Bronze Age civilization in Greece.
Regarding the alphabet and system of writing, the Mycenaeans used Linear B script, which they developed independently and was not directly borrowed or influenced by the Minoans.
However, the Minoans did have a potential influence on the Mycenaeans in terms of religious beliefs and practices. The Minoans had a complex and unique religious system that centered around nature and fertility goddesses, with a particular emphasis on female divinities. It is believed that some elements of Minoan religious beliefs and practices may have been absorbed and incorporated into the religious beliefs of the Mycenaeans. This influence can be seen in archeological evidence, such as the discovery of Minoan-style frescoes and religious artifacts in Mycenaean sites.