During the Middle and Late Minoan periods Crete forged external relations and established contacts, in particular with lands in the eastern Mediterranean.
The technique of wall paintings which flourished in palatial Crete and was diffused throughout the Aegean, must have been introduced to Crete from Syria or Egypt.
When the Old Places at Knossos, Festos and Malia were established shortly after 1900 BC, the finest craftsmen were called in to work on the first great public monuments in Cretes and the first true Minoan art appeared.
The floating world of Minoan wall painting was an imagination creation so rich and original that is its influence can be felt throughout Minoan art during the era of the new palaces.
The finest art of the Agean Bronze Age was produced during the period of the New Palaces, 1799 to 1400 BC, and is best represented by the wall paintings that adorned the space and surrounding houses at Knossos.
Knossos, the largest palace, sprawled across 3 acres. It was built around a large central court, probably used for public ceremonies.
Bronze Age ceramics on Crete were generally colorful and with cheerful motifs, after inspired by the sea. Naturalistic decorations of pottery came to the fore in the middles of the Minoan period, with paintings of animals, birds, and flowers; fish, squid, birds and lilies were common motifs.
Crete wall paintings
