Archaeological evidence that shows contact and influence
Architecture
The architecture of Theran and Minoan societies show similarities as a result of the initial influence of Crete on Thera. Both societies show their similarities through the evidence of a 'lustral basin' discovered within the Theran mansion of Xeste 3. The West house located in Akrotiri, Thera reveals common traits of Cretan architecture. Aspects of Theran architecture which are almost identical to Minoan buildings include:
The architecture of Theran and Minoan societies show similarities as a result of the initial influence of Crete on Thera. Both societies show their similarities through the evidence of a 'lustral basin' discovered within the Theran mansion of Xeste 3. The West house located in Akrotiri, Thera reveals common traits of Cretan architecture. Aspects of Theran architecture which are almost identical to Minoan buildings include:
- the use of specialised pillared rooms with lustral basins
- the interior fresco decoration
- partitioning of rooms
- the squared stones or ashlar masonry exteriors.
Religion
Religion was central in life throughout ancient civilisation. The faith of both societies was commonly displayed in everyday life through features including dress and ritual activities. There have been discoveries and evidence of religious acts on the Minoan Crete through various archaeological finds on the island. Similarly, there have been indications of similar ritual pursuits in Thera, commonly through the frescoes of the islands. The dress of the Minoan priestess shows similarities to that displayed through frescos of Theran priestesses. Both dresses of the societies consists of flounced skirts and tight fitting, breast revealing bodices. Also, the 'Knot of Isis' worn by a Theran priestess resembles to those of Minoan priestesses. A lustral basin which is a sacred Minoan structure was also found in Xeste 3 in Thera commonly used for religious ceremonials and celebratory acts. Therefore it is evident that the ancient Minoan society influenced Thera in regards to sacred worships, spiritual beliefs and values.
Religion was central in life throughout ancient civilisation. The faith of both societies was commonly displayed in everyday life through features including dress and ritual activities. There have been discoveries and evidence of religious acts on the Minoan Crete through various archaeological finds on the island. Similarly, there have been indications of similar ritual pursuits in Thera, commonly through the frescoes of the islands. The dress of the Minoan priestess shows similarities to that displayed through frescos of Theran priestesses. Both dresses of the societies consists of flounced skirts and tight fitting, breast revealing bodices. Also, the 'Knot of Isis' worn by a Theran priestess resembles to those of Minoan priestesses. A lustral basin which is a sacred Minoan structure was also found in Xeste 3 in Thera commonly used for religious ceremonials and celebratory acts. Therefore it is evident that the ancient Minoan society influenced Thera in regards to sacred worships, spiritual beliefs and values.
Frescos
Frescos discovered throughout Greece show aspects of daily life such as work, religion and dress. The elements of Minoan frescos including the materials used, subjects, motifs and styles utilised, developed the basis of wall painting techniques withing the ancient Greek society. The techniques such as lime plaster matter and geometric motif themes were shown to be used throughout a number of Theran frescos, indicating that Thera was significantly influenced by the Minoan frescos. Mineral pigments such as ground materials were used for both societies to show colours.
Frescos discovered throughout Greece show aspects of daily life such as work, religion and dress. The elements of Minoan frescos including the materials used, subjects, motifs and styles utilised, developed the basis of wall painting techniques withing the ancient Greek society. The techniques such as lime plaster matter and geometric motif themes were shown to be used throughout a number of Theran frescos, indicating that Thera was significantly influenced by the Minoan frescos. Mineral pigments such as ground materials were used for both societies to show colours.