Minoan and Mycenaean cultures

Minoan and Mycenaean cultures were both Bronze Age civilizations of Greece. The Minoans represent the ancient Cretan culture and they flourished from 3000 BC to 1300 BC while the Mycenaean era ranges from around 1900 BC to 1100 BC. Unlike the Minoans, the Mycenaeans were a culture of warriors and they extended their influence into Aegean islands, present day Turkey and the Cyprus. In contrast, the Minoans had no real warrior force or weapons and were mostly farmers and seafaring traders. Archeologists have classified the Minoan period into three differrent eras based on their archeologial and pottery styles namely the early minoan (EM), middle minoan (MM) and late Minoan (LM) periods. The most famous archeological site of the Minoans is the Knossos, the site of the biggest palace having 1300 rooms with excellent water and sewage systems. [Wikipedia] Surprisingly this palace has no fortification walls, which makes histotians presume that the Minoans enjoyed amicable relations with their neighours.

Though in many ways Mycenaean architecture resembled the Mionians they had their own style. One particular feature is the strong fortification walls that they built, known as the 'Cyclopean walls'. These walls and other constructions were made of very huge stones that gave the Mycenaean architecture the name of cyclopean architecture. Another feature of Mycenaean architecture is the megaron, a rectangular hall entered via 2 column porch and having a hearth at its centre. It is said that megaron was the inspiration for classical greek temple. Another unique contribution of Mycenaean architechture is the use of 'corbel vaulting' a technique which is mainly used in high raised domes and arched structures to reduce the weight over the lintel. This stlye is most eveident in the famous 'Lions gate'. The Mycenaean culture had a significant influence on the later Greeks. The central hearth, for example became a common feature in most Greek constructions. [Megan Kane]. Both the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures have left their mark on the later Greek culture.