thirst for progress, victories and conquests, the desire of those in power to assert its domination - all this is present in the cultures of all peoples.But Mycenaean civilization stands.We will not see it either awe rock or glorifying the exploits of the conquerors nor the deification of despotic power.
In contrast to the great works of ancient Mesopotamia, Babylon and Egypt, the art of Crete, located south of the Aegean Sea, reflected the pure joy of life, where life is portrayed as a permanent holiday, and the perception of the world was serene, light, elated.It is difficult to imagine a human society that lived in a perfect world, but it is obvious that the people who created these monuments of culture, believed in the magical power of art that flourished in the III and II millennium BC
Ancient Crete famous for its myths about gods in love, legend of Icarus - the first man, soaring into the sky.Here was born the patron of all the gods - Zeus.
about the social structure of the ancient kingdom of Crete remained very little information.But Mycenaean civilization reveals some of its veil of secrecy in the surviving monuments of architecture and art.One of the most remarkable phenomena testifying special features of the Cretan art of building, - preserved palaces.The most famous of them - the Palace of Knossos labyrinth.It is called so because of the intricate mysterious passages, countless rooms.
huge footprint on (twenty thousand square meters), the Palace does not look heavy and bulky.This distinctive feature of the Cretan architecture.
must everyday life was relaxed and comfortable among the white walls are located along the dark columns, illuminated by natural sunlight coming through the special "light wells".In storerooms preserved magnificent utensils: Gold and silver ware, large clay pithoi for the storage of wine and olive oil.
But perhaps the most important value of Knossos Palace - wall paintings.
One of the most remarkable pieces of painting - the profile of a young woman.The eye, as was the custom in the Egyptian Fine canons - in front.But this image is a completely different spirit - it's lively face, slightly upturned nose, dark hair swept curls.Life, seductive image, not without reason has secured the title of "Parisienne".
Mycenaean civilization found its continuation and further prosperity in Mycenae, where art flourished after the collapse of Crete.Is strongly influenced by the culture of the latter, Mycenaean civilization, however, it had its own stylistic features.It is noticeable, especially in the principles of town planning, monumental sculpture and architecture.
Mycenaean buildings surrounded by huge walls made of natural stone.Other in style and are famous Lion Gate.Relief depicting two lionesses, filled with expression of strength and militancy that were not characteristic of Cretan art.
Paphos forces, thirst of victory sounding and hunting scenes depicted on the gold-encrusted daggers.
Like other ancient cultures, Mycenaean civilization has sunk into oblivion.But thanks to a priceless cultural monuments we can feel who left the world as it was at the dawn of its existence.
