Sir Arthur Evans is the name most closely associated with the rediscovery of ancient Minoan civilization. Though local Cretan archaeologist Minos Kalokairinos discovered the site of Knossos and did some preliminary digging there, it's Evans who undertook a large-scale, systematic excavation of the largest of the Minoan cities with its enormous temple complex and who introduced the ancient Minoans into the modern world. Joseph Alexander MacGillivray is another archaeologist whose focus is on Minoan civilization, and he has written a fascinating biography of Evans, titled Minotaur: Sir Arthur Evans and the Archaeology of the Minoan Myth.
First, let me point out that this book is a biography of Evans, not a retelling of the Minotaur myth. I've seen a few reviews from people who weren't able to suss out that fact (seriously, did you read the back cover or the online description?) and were disappointed when they read the book. It helps to pay attention before buying a book so you know what you're getting. What you're getting, in this case, is an amazingly detailed biography of a fascinating, complex, contradictory man who made quite a place for himself in history.
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I've been a big fan of archaeology ever since I discovered the ancient Egyptians back in grade school. Indiana Jones aside, I think it's absolutely fascinating that we can dig up the remains of civilizations from centuries ago, put the pieces back together (mostly) and get a glimpse into those long-ago lives.
Ah, but there's the big question: Exactly how long ago did it all happen?
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Francesca De Grandis
Ted, hiya, judging from Seerat’s wording and the fact that there are four of his/her comments expressing basically the same thing, I suspect it’s just...
Ted Czukor
Thank you for your encouraging words. I'm glad you find my articles useful. I'm interested in the TV shows on your websites, but unfortunately my on...
Jet
Greetings.Great article. I also have done many things because of recognition, and I realize now that it is because I am jealous of my younger brother....
Laura Perry
Archaeologists continue to discover new Minoan sites all the time; there's some speculation that Crete was more heavily populated in Minoan times than...
