Minoan Women

Abstract

This study focuses on what we know about women in Bronze Age Crete (ca. 3000-1000 BCE). Rather than tracing ancient Minoan women through time, period by period, this study takes the point of view of the women themselves, charting their life: what we know about Minoan infant girls, adolescent girls, young adult women, mature women, and old women. The evidence cited comes from the ancient texts and from archaeology (e.g., representations in wall paintings and sculpture, and on vases). Special sections deal with hairstyles and age grades, costume, health and diet, childbirth, and death.