Sir Arthur Evans and the Minoan Myth: The Creation of Ancient Cretan Culture

Author

Madeleine McCrackenFollow

Date of Award

Spring 4-15-2021

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Classics

First Advisor

Aileen Ajootian

Second Advisor

Jacqueline Dibiasie-Sammons

Third Advisor

Tony Boudreaux

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This paper explores the excavations conducted in the early 20^th century by Sir Arthur Evans at the site of Knossos on the island of Crete. An analysis of Evans’ humanitarian and journalistic work in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the late 19^th century sets the tone for the paper. I consider Evans’ life’s work at Knossos to gain a better understanding of the man behind it and both why and how he created a modern image of an ancient culture. I will describe in detail a few key monuments and objects which he excavated and reconstructed. I draw conclusions about how certain aspects of Minoan culture at Knossos have been misinterpreted, or how certain evidence, or lack thereof, was disregarded. The paper ends with an examination of how Evans’ national heritage influenced his excavations along with the opinions of local Cretans regarding the site.

Recommended Citation

McCracken, Madeleine, "Sir Arthur Evans and the Minoan Myth: The Creation of Ancient Cretan Culture" (2021). Honors Theses. 1715.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/1715

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