Power Ranges

Identity and Terrain in Minoan Crete

Authors

  • Caroline Jane Tully University of Melbourne
  • Sam Crooks La Trobe University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/jsrnc.36629

Keywords:

Minoan Crete, mountains, elites, ideology

Abstract

During the Aegean Bronze Age, the island of Crete was home to Minoan civilisation (3100–1300 BCE). The Cretan landscape is characterised by prominent mountain ranges. During the Middle Bronze Age (c. 2000 BCE) cult sites began to proliferate on mountain peaks in response to climatic changes. Peak sanctuaries were locations of popular religious expression focussed on human, animal, and environmental health and fertility. In the Neopalatial period (1750–1490 BCE) peak sanctuary cults were appropriated by palatial elites and the Minoan cosmological framework, oriented toward mountains, was institutionalised. Analysis of the Minoan landscape, palatial art, architecture, and ritual performance demonstrates a close association between elite figures and real and symbolic mountains. The metaphysical terrain of Crete was politicised as mountain symbolism was used to naturalise Neopalatial elite status and identity. The mountain form signified and symbolised power relations functioning as an instrument of elite ideology.

Author Biographies

  • Caroline Jane Tully, University of Melbourne

    Caroline Tully is an Honorary Fellow in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne, Australia.

  • Sam Crooks, La Trobe University

    Sam Crooks is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Archaeology and History at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. 

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Published

2019-09-04

How to Cite

Tully, C., & Crooks, S. (2019). Power Ranges: Identity and Terrain in Minoan Crete. Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture, 13(2), 130-156. https://doi.org/10.1558/jsrnc.36629