5.1 Sir Arthur Evans and the discovery of Knossos

Sir Arthur Evans uncovered the Palace of Knossos in Crete, revealing a sophisticated Bronze Age civilization. His excavations provided insights into Minoan art, writing systems, and trade networks, challenging existing views on early European development.

Evans' work established Minoan archaeology as a distinct field but faced criticism for his methods. His romanticized interpretations and extensive rebuilding sparked debates on archaeological ethics and site preservation, influencing future approaches to excavation and interpretation.

Sir Arthur Evans and the Discovery of Knossos

Life of Sir Arthur Evans

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• Born 1851 in England, studied at Oxford University developed passion for ancient history
• Worked as journalist in Balkans sparked interest in ancient civilizations and archaeology
• Purchased land in Crete 1894, began excavations at Knossos 1900 uncovered Palace of Minos
• Conducted excavations for over 35 years revealed extensive Minoan architectural complex
• Wrote "The Palace of Minos" (multi-volume work) detailed findings and interpretations
• Coined term "Minoan" for ancient Cretan civilization based on mythical King Minos

Significance of Knossos Palace discovery

• Revealed sophisticated Bronze Age civilization advanced architecture (multi-story buildings) and urban planning (complex drainage systems)
• Provided insights into Minoan art vibrant frescoes (bull-leaping scenes) and intricate pottery (marine style)
• Uncovered evidence of Minoan writing systems Linear A (undeciphered) and Linear B (later deciphered as early Greek)
• Established chronology for Minoan civilization Early (3000-2000 BCE), Middle (2000-1700 BCE), Late (1700-1450 BCE) periods
• Demonstrated Crete's importance in Mediterranean trade networks imported goods (Egyptian scarabs, Syrian pottery)
• Challenged existing views on European civilization development showed advanced culture predating Classical Greece by millennia

Controversies in Evans' methods

• Excavation techniques damaged archaeological contexts used pickaxes instead of trowels
• Lack of detailed stratigraphic recording failed to document precise locations of artifacts
• Extensive rebuilding of palace used modern materials (concrete) and speculative reconstructions
• Romanticized view of Minoan society portrayed peaceful, matriarchal culture without sufficient evidence
• Overemphasized religious aspects of Minoan life interpreted many structures as shrines or temples
• Used Greek mythological names for Minoan sites and artifacts (Throne Room, Queen's Megaron) potentially misleading
• Limited access for other archaeologists monopolized Knossos excavations for decades
• Viewed Minoan culture through Western European lens potentially misinterpreting cultural practices

Evans' impact on Aegean archaeology

• Established Minoan archaeology as distinct field inspired excavations at other sites (Phaistos, Malia)
• Developed initial Aegean Bronze Age chronology later refined by subsequent researchers
• Advanced study of Minoan art and architecture analysis of fresco techniques (buon fresco, fresco secco)
• Progressed decipherment of Minoan writing systems led to Linear B decipherment by Michael Ventris 1952
• Inspired interdisciplinary approaches integration of archaeobotany (plant remains), zooarchaeology (animal bones)
• Sparked debates on reconstruction and site preservation influenced archaeological ethics
• Popularized Minoan culture increased public interest in ancient Mediterranean civilizations
• Prompted reassessment of interpretations more nuanced understanding of Minoan social structures emerged