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Minoan

Minoan

4 8.2
Relating to the ancient Bronze Age society on Crete that built palaces and made art
  • adjective
  • /mɪˈnoʊən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : minoico
  • The vibrant frescoes found in the ruins reflect the sophisticated art of Minoan civilization.
  • Minoan civilization
  • Minoan ships

Examples

  • A weeklong cruise to the Cyclades Islands and Rhodes will conclude with the splendid Minoan archaeological site at Knossos.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Archaeologists have uncovered many Minoan artifacts, showcasing the culture's advanced craftsmanship.

  • So he referred to that civilization as the Minoan civilization.

  • "I always wanted to find a Minoan shipwreck," she says, "so I started looking for one."

    Academic text (2010)
  • They may even have Minoan artists to come and and add those to the palace.

  • First up, the Minoan Palace at Knossos.

  • Depictions of ships abound on Minoan seals and frescoes.

    Academic text (2010)
  • So similar are the frescoes to those in the Palace of Knossos in Crete that a number of archaeologists believe they were painted by Minoan artists who had come to Syria on commission.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Philip Betancourt, a Minoan pottery expert who codirected excavations at Pseira from 1986 to 1996, has examined the finds from the site.

    Academic text (2010)
  • The intricate designs on pottery highlight the typical Minoan style prevalent during the Bronze Age.

Compounds

Minoan culture
  • Specialized
1 7.7

A Bronze Age society on Crete known for rich art, big palaces, and sea trade

Minoan civilization
  • Specialized
1 8.1

An ancient culture on the island of Crete from about 3000 to 1100 BC known for advanced art and buildings

Surface Forms

Minoan positive

Morphology

Minoan = Minos (semi-transparent) = Mino + an

The suffixation is recognizable as a standard adjective formation from the proper name 'Minos', but the exact reference to the Bronze Age Cretan civilization is a specialized historical label.

Etymology

Minoan comes from the name of a legendary Cretan king, Minos, who appears in the story of the Minotaur. So Minoan describes art, buildings, and other things 'from Crete' in the Bronze Age.