The columns at Knossos tapered downward and bore simple heavy torus capitals.

Column

The columns at Knossos tapered downward and bore simple heavy torus capitals.

Cretan frieze ornament.

Cretan Ornament

Cretan frieze ornament.

Cretan painted band ornament.

Cretan Ornament

Cretan painted band ornament.

Cretan painted band ornament.

Cretan Ornament

Cretan painted band ornament.

Fret pattern from Knossos.

Cretan Ornament

Fret pattern from Knossos.

Cretan all-over pattern.

Cretan Ornament

Cretan all-over pattern.

Cretan all-over pattern.

Cretan Ornament

Cretan all-over pattern.

"Prehistoric Writing from Crete" — Morey, 1903

Crete Writings

"Prehistoric Writing from Crete" — Morey, 1903

A medal of Crete, representing a Minotaur and the labyrinth in which he was confined.

Medal of Crete

A medal of Crete, representing a Minotaur and the labyrinth in which he was confined.

Late Minoan vase from Knossos.

Minoan Vase

Late Minoan vase from Knossos.

"Ancient Cretan sealing. An impression in clay used to seal vases and other receptacles, examples of which are frequently found in archaeological excavations." -Whitney, 1911

Vase Sealing

"Ancient Cretan sealing. An impression in clay used to seal vases and other receptacles, examples of…

"The Athenians were at that time in deep affiction on account of the tribute which they were forced to pay to Minos, king of Crete. This tribute consisted of seven youths and seven maidens, who were sent every year to be devoured by the Minotaur." —Bulfinch, 1897

Theseus and the minotaur

"The Athenians were at that time in deep affiction on account of the tribute which they were forced…

"A large tablet with linear script found in the palace at Gnossus, Crete. There are eight lines of writing with a total of about twenty words. Notice the upright lines which appear to mark the termination of each group of signs."—Webster, 1913

Cretan Writing

"A large tablet with linear script found in the palace at Gnossus, Crete. There are eight lines of writing…