The Minoan Civilization: Thongs and Bare Bosoms
The fascinatingly unique Minoan Civilization of ancient Crete, Greece, known for its mysterious script, advanced plumbing, unique fashion, and intriguing gender dynamics.
The Minoan Civilization, emerging around 3400 BCE on the island of Crete, possessed a written language known as Linear A. However, deciphering this ancient script remains a tantalizing challenge as it has yet to be fully understood. Scholars continue to grapple with the undecipherable nature of Linear A, which lacks any known shared linguistic roots. The origins of this mysterious language derived from the Phoenician alphabet add another layer of intrigue to the enigmatic Minoan culture.
Astonishingly ahead of their time, the Minoans demonstrated extraordinary technological prowess. They boasted an intricate plumbing system that delivered running water to the elite within their homes—an astonishing feat for a civilization flourishing approximately 5000 years ago. With hot and cold water taps and even rudimentary flushing toilets, the Minoans exemplified a keen focus on hygiene and comfort. Their technological achievements highlight the innovative nature of this ancient civilization.
Okay, but what about those thongs and breasts you mentioned?
Minoan fashion was a captivating reflection of their society. Men initially donned minimalist thong-like garments, which gradually transformed over time, blending into the typical tunics associated with ancient Greece. In contrast, women's attire consisted of Victorian-like long dresses, emphasizing modesty by covering their legs and forearms while baring their breasts instead. All depictions of women seem to have this… “boob window” but covered forearms and ankles. Intriguingly, both genders utilized belts to accentuate an hourglass figure.
Artistic representations of the Minoans reveal interesting gender dynamics. Women often occupied positions of power and authority in these depictions, challenging traditional societal norms. Men were portrayed with darker skin tones, possibly hinting at outdoor activities, while women were depicted as pale, suggesting a potential inclination towards indoor seclusion. And yet, both genders participated in sporting events, further exemplifying the Minoans' unique cultural perspective.
However…
Evan's interpretations of Minoan artwork are highly speculative, as only small fragments of murals have survived, making their original placement uncertain. Could the Art Deco-like style of the reconstructions be solely a result of its popularity during that era? We may never know. The process of restoring these fragments has hindered the acquisition of new evidence.
The variation in colors between male and female depictions, also seen in Egyptian art, is likely a stylization rather than an indication of gender roles. The difference may be related to clothing choices, where exposed men tan more easily than women in covered attire. This could reinforce a beauty standard rather than a strict division of labor. While reconstructions suggest indoor scenes, murals also portray women in natural outdoor settings, further emphasizing speculation.
The shift towards more covering clothing in later Minoan civilization can be attributed to cultural influences from neighboring civilizations, but other factors may have also played a role. While Minoan fashion was undoubtedly fabulous, it may not have been suitable for cooler weather conditions. Was there perhaps a period of cooler weather that influenced their clothing choices, possibly connected to the eruption of Thera (Santorini)?
One last thing
When it comes to the undeciphered Linear A, we actually do know that it was a V-S-O language. Several known words, including city names and terms like "olives" were identified. However, deciphering the language fully requires more samples. Although around 7,000 clay tablets and written records exist, further discoveries, such as a buried vault or library, could enable swift deciphering.
In conclusion, the Minoan Civilization stands as a captivating enigma, unveiling glimpses of an ancient Aegean world that thrived with technological innovations, distinct fashion choices, and a mysterious written language. From their undeciphered script to their remarkable plumbing systems and unique gender dynamics, the Minoans captivate our imagination with their extraordinary achievements and cultural nuances. The more I explore their rich heritage, the more I am reminded of the endless depths of human history, forever marked by the remarkable civilizations that came before us.
BONUS: my newest favorite sentences
“The Minoans were the Ancient Greeks of the Ancient Greeks.”
“Imagine the Minoans existed today, when a scene needed censorship they’d just censor the ankles.”
TL;DR: They were pretty cool
Ancient civilization on Crete, Greece (circa 3400-1200 BCE).
Undeciphered script (Linear A) and advanced plumbing systems.
Distinct fashion: men in thongs, women in long dresses but bare bossoms.
Mysterious gender dynamics and possible positions of power for women.
BUT:
Linear A, the Minoan language, is only partially understood because it lacks enough samples for complete deciphering.
Evan's reconstructions of Minoan artwork are speculative, and the influence of Art Deco on the reconstructions or vice versa remains uncertain.
Color differences in depictions of men and women may be stylistic rather than indicative of gender roles or staying indoors.
Cultural influences and potential climate changes may have contributed to the shift towards more covering clothing in later Minoan civilization. Further research is required for a comprehensive understanding.
Resources
Take everything with a grain of salt as this civilization lived long ago. But here is the video that inspired my passion for it:
As usual, do let me know if I made any mistakes in the dates/facts etc. I will correct it.