The British Museum
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The Arthur I Fleischman Gallery3200 – 1100 BC
Minoan Crete was dominated by great palaces, most of which were founded in about 1950 BC. Material from the palace of Knossos is displayed in this gallery, along with pottery, bronzes and stone vases from elsewhere in Crete.
Large pottery storage jar (pithos) 1450-1400 BC More information
Large pottery storage jar (pithos) 1450-1400 BC
Gold pendant from the Aigina treasure 1850-1550 BC More information
Gold pendant from the Aigina treasure 1850-1550 BC
Bronze group of a bull and acrobat 1700-1450 BC More information
Bronze group of a bull and acrobat 1700-1450 BC
Carnelian seal with a man driving a chariot 1450-1300 BC More information
Carnelian seal with a man driving a chariot 1450-1300 BC
An impressive group of jewellery and treasure on display in Room 12a, believed to have been found on the island of Aigina, demonstrates the craftsmanship of the period.
A bronze sculpture from around 1600 BC represents an acrobat ‘bull-jumping’. This sport may have had links with the legend of the Minotaur: the bull-headed monster slain by the hero Theseus.
See this gallery on the floor plan
Greece: Mycenaeans (Room 12b)
Agate seal: man leading a bull
The story of Linear B and related texts, £6.99
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