The Minoans

 

THE MINOANS

Around 3000 BC  the island of Crete was inhabited by a Mediterranean civilisation known as the Minoans, which suddenly disappeared in 1100 BC for reasons still unknown. It wasn't until the 20th with archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans' investigations that this ancient society was rediscovered. 

Minoans were essentially traders, getting influenced by other Mediterranean cultures (especially Egypt). Despite this, they are remembered because of a much highlighted aspect: Minoan Crete was the land of mythical King Minos, Princess Ariadne and Queen Pasiphae, mother of the Minotaur.

COSTUMES

Minoans were exposed to a Southern Mediterranean climate, but this wasn't as dry and hot as the Egyptian (it isn't as close to the Tropic of Cancer). Because of this, furs were used on colder days as coats and capes.

Besides cloaks, other clothing items were commonly used by both genres: Cretans tried to achieve an hourglass figure by wearing padded leather belts or tight ones of gold or bronce with metal plates. Chitons (a type of tunic) was reserved for the aristocracy. 

As for footwear, they put on sandals and boots, although they usually were barefoot.

On the other hand, designs often represented geometric patterns or nature-related motives ( safron croccus, birds and fish among others).

Lastly, their attires looked very colourful as wool was easily tinted in red, yellow, blue or even purple tones.

MEN

The first garments worn by men were very similar to Egytian shentis. However, over time they developed a unique style: still bare-chested, an apron decorated the loincloths and kilts, made of different materials such as linen, leather and (mostly) wool, they put on. Fringed tassels dangled from the apron.

The Prince of the Lilies wears typical Minoan fashion: blue loincloth and white apron, bracelets, feathered headdress (peacock feathers but also lilies) and long wavy hair

WOMEN

Women dresses catch out attention because they resemble to 1800's fashion. Minoan women could be pioneers in the use of hoop skirts/crinolines, fabricated with wood, metal or crane. It created a bell shape type of skirt, which also appeared to be layered with ruffles and completed with a decorative apron. 

Tight blouses with embossed sleeves covered the torso, except for a space that left the breasts exposed.

HAIRSTYLES

Minoans were very inventive when it comes to this topic, since they put much effort into creating elaborated hairstyles. They wore long curly hair in a spiral and finished their looks with flat hats and bonnets. Bronce, gold and strings of beads took part in this process as accessories.

Feathered headdresses were also used.

Coif and headbands

JEWELLERY

Even though this civilisation isn't often acknowledged, they stand out because they were very skillful goldsmiths. With a precise and meticulous technique, filigree and repoussé work has been found in several jewellery items, such as rings, necklaces, armlets  (it was common to wear two in both arms),  and anklets. Copper, silver, bronce and semi-precious stones were also utilised for making these ornaments.

                            Bee pendant

Earrings with bull heads 

( as the bull was the sacred animal of Crete)