The Foundations of Palatial Crete, by Keith Branigan

 I'm beginning my return to the study of ancient history with this short book, subtitled A Survey of Crete in the Early Bronze Age.

Although a bit scholarly for my needs, the book outlined some important themes on the prehistory of Minoan (and Greek) history.

The purpose of the book was to shed light on the Minoan period prior to the now famous Knossos Palace, which Eileen and I were fortunate enough to explore back in 2004.  Apparently these earlier phases of Cretan culture (circa 2800 - 2000 B.C.) are relatively unknown compared to the later Knossos period (circa 2000 - 1400 B.C.)

Branigan convincingly demonstrates that many of the same themes at Knossos began during the earlier period.  For example, religious practice appears to have continued along the same lines from early Minoan through late Minoan.  The primary change was that in earlier stages religion was practiced communally among people in the villages, while it later moved into private practice inside the palaces.

I was surprised to learn of the existence of large palaces during the Early Bronze Age.  Although not nearly as elaborate as Knossos, they were still multi story, sometimes including dozens of rooms, and also built around a central court.

I particularly enjoyed Branigan's outlining of the Early Minoan trading practices across the Mediterranean with Egypt, the Levant, Syria, the Cyclades, Italy, Spain and of course the Aegean.  The early Minoans both imported and exported across the same areas.

Now I believe I will cross into later Bronze Age Crete, re-reading a biography of Sir Arthur Evans, discoverer of Knossos.