Minoan Palaces

The ancient civilisations of the Minoans and the Mycenaeans both participated in creating monumental architecture, most of which are now referred to as Minoan and Mycenaean palaces. There are many comparisons to be made when discussing these two cultures and their palaces. This essay will begin with an examination of the unique features of the Minoan palaces, followed by a discussion regarding their possible functions as communal gathering centres and a brief look at the potential meaning of the palaces in relation to frescoes and symbolic aspects of the buildings. Following this will be the introduction of Mycenaean palaces and their distinctive architectural styles such as the megaron contrasted against the large courts of the Minoan palaces,
Firstly, the Minoans executed strategic placing of their west courts, with the north to south orientation of their central courts mirroring the orientation of sacred peak or cave sanctuaries. This denotes possible religious significance of the palatial buildings for the Minoans. As for the meaning of the labyrinthine structure inside the palaces, there are many possibilities. However, due to what was previously discussed in this essay, one explanation is that they functioned as a means to give privacy in a building that might have contained many people at once partaking in multiple activities of anything from a religious to administrative nature. The Mycenaean palaces’ positions are more significant in that often they were atop hills. The palace at Pylos was built atop the hill Ano Englianos, and such a positioning allows a wide view over the nearby land and ocean. The reason behind this placement is likely a precaution against oncoming attacks, the wide view over the area allowing whoever was in the palace time for preparation in advance. Contrasting with the Minoan palaces’ apparent function as a communal space for gatherings, this idea portrays the Mycenaean palaces in a more militaristic or at least cautious manner in terms of their purpose. Mycenaean palaces also showed evidence of being fortified, which Minoan palaces overall did not, and the palace at Pylos, although not fortified later on, was fortified in the Late Minoan IIIB period. This does not necessarily mean that the Mycenaeans were naturally more militaristic people compared to the Minoans. It does, however, show the possibility that the Mycenaeans were more aware of the threats that were their neighbouring lands, and that it is reflected in their palatial