History Extra podcast The Minoans: everything you wanted to know
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Jul 26, 2025 Ellen Adams, Reader at King's College London and author of 'The Minoans: Lost Civilizations', dives into the captivating world of the Minoan civilization. She discusses their impressive advancements, including flushing toilets and intricate social hierarchies. The conversation uncovers the cultural ties between the Minoans and the Mycenaeans, while also exploring their intriguing religious practices and the mysteries surrounding their scripts. Adams highlights the significance of Minoan society and its eventual decline, offering a rich perspective on this ancient civilization.
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Origin of 'Minoan' Term
- The term "Minoan" is modern, derived from Greek myth and King Minos. - It reflects a distinct Bronze Age culture in Crete but may oversimplify its diversity.
Minoan Influence on Greeks
- Direct influence of Minoan culture on later Greek culture is hard to trace. - Memories persisted but were filtered through Mycenaean dominance and social collapse.
Minotaur Myth Origins
- The Minotaur myth stems from Greek stories tied to Knossos and King Minos. - Knossos' complex labyrinthine palace likely inspired the myth.
