Join Dr. Stephen Kershaw and comedian Josie Long in uncovering the mysteries of the ancient Minoan civilization. From debunking myths like the Minotaur to exploring gender ambiguity in frescoes and bull-leaping rituals, dive into the unique lifestyle and beliefs of this Bronze Age society.
Minoans used lustral basins for possible rituals in their palaces.
Bull leaping was a popular form of entertainment and ritual for Minoans.
A female deity was central in Minoan religion, possibly a mother goddess.
Minoan culture showed evidence of human sacrifice through cut-marked skeletons.
Minoan society may have had matriarchal power structures based on feminist scholarly proposals.
Deep dives
King Minos' Inspired Civilization
The name Minos inspired the rediscovery of the Minoans by Arthur Evans, reflecting the historical reality of the palace at Knossos.
Excavator of Palace at Knossos
The palace at Knossos was first excavated by Minos, whose work uncovered significant artifacts and insights into Minoan civilization.
A Ritual Chamber: Lustral Basins
Lustral basins, small underground rooms possibly used for rituals, were a common feature in Minoan palaces.
Bull Leaping: A Popular Minoan Activity
Bull leaping emerged as a common form of entertainment and a potential ritual activity for the Minoan people.
Central Deity in Minoan Religion
A prominent female deity appears as a central figure in Minoan religion and arts, possibly representing a mother goddess.
Human Sacrifice in Minoan Culture
Evidence of human sacrifice, such as skeletons with cut marks, suggests the possibility of sacrificial practices within Minoan culture.
Writing Systems of Ancient Crete
The three writing systems used on ancient Crete were Linear A, Linear B, and hieroglyphics.
Controversial Archaeological Practices at Knossos
Arthur Evans' use of modern concrete to reconstruct the palace and his archaeological techniques stirred controversy among scholars.
Feminist Interpretations of Minoan Power
Feminist scholars have proposed that Minoan society may have exhibited matriarchal power structures based on the prominence of women in their art.
Theories for Minoan Civilization Downfall
Possible causes for the downfall of Minoan civilization include natural catastrophes like volcanic eruptions, internal unrest, or invasion by Mycenaeans from the mainland.
In this episode, Greg Jenner is joined in Bronze Age Crete by Dr Stephen Kershaw and comedian Josie Long to learn all about the ancient Minoan civilisation. Many of us know the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur: King Minos of Crete feeds young men and women to the half-human beast in the labyrinth under his palace until the brave Theseus kills the monster. At the end of the 19th Century, a Cretan archaeologist discovered a palace that many believed had belonged to Minos himself. Not only that, but experts soon found traces of an entire Bronze Age civilisation on the island. But what was this Minoan society really like? From the palaces of the mighty, through the daily lives of ordinary people and their religious beliefs, this episode explores the Minoans and the archaeological work that has uncovered the truth behind the myths.
Hosted by: Greg Jenner
Research by: Anna McCully Stewart
Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner
Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner
Audio Producer: Steve Hankey
Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands
Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse
Executive Editor: James Cook
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
