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The Minoan Civilization: A Marvel of Prehistoric Aegean with Dimitra Pilarinou

The Minoan Civilization: A Marvel of Prehistoric Aegean with Dimitra Pilarinou


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Join in the conversation about one of the most unique cultures of the ancient world that flourished on Crete, regarded today as the first advanced culture on European soil: meet the Minoans.
Between 7000 and 1100 BCE, on the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, a magnificent prehistoric culture was produced: most people know it as ''Minoan" the term used for its pinnacle from 3200 BCE onwards. Exceptionally advanced with highly developed technologies, the sophisticated Minoans possessed an imaginative power and childlike freshness the Eastern Mediterranean world had never seen before.
We will look beyond the widely held view of the hippie culture of flower-loving peaceful Minoans by using archaeological finds: from the complex architecture of palaces, towns, and tombs to the first writing systems of Europe. We’ll assess Minoan arts and crafts, from the mind-blowing craftsmanship of frescoes, jewels, and figurines. We’ll discuss how the emerging picture is not one of a monolithic culture but of a highly organized, stratified society that had the ability to absorb elements of Bronze Age contemporaneous civilizations, like the Egyptians, and transform them according to their own personality, constantly evolving until their decline.
Led by Dimitra Pilarinou, an expert on Minoan Archaeology, this interactive seminar will present an overview of the Minoan world. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the multifaceted aspects of the cradle of Europe's civilization.

Dimitra Pilarinou is a Greek archaeologist and Licensed Tour Guide with a Masters degree in Prehistoric Archaeology of the Aegean. She has worked in excavations all around Greece, has given speeches on various topics in Seminars and Congresses, and has appeared on documentaries about the Minoans on History Channel and Travel Channel.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 34 reviews
97%
(33)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
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S
Stella Koch (Great Falls, US)
Fabulous Införmation

She packed a lot of facts into a charming history of Crete. Made it clear and understandable.

M
Marie Reed (Albuquerque, US)
Outstanding and Fascinating

For 50 years I have wanted to visit Crete and the palace at Knossos. Now I know there is so much more and a visit is now #1 on my list (hope my body agrees!) . Dimitra is very knowledgable and enthusiastic and her graphics were fab. You will learn a lot thru her presentation. Really a shame that the Greek govt chooses not to spend $ on archaeology digs now--there's so much more to discover.

P
Paul Coates (Silver Spring, US)

Very engaging speaker. Fabulous material.

J
J.G. (San Francisco, US)
The Minoan Civilization with Dimitra Pilarinou

I loved this seminar. Dimitra is always so organized, thorough, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It was a pleasure and I learned a lot

S
S. (New York, US)
Fascinating journey through Minoan prehistory

Dimitra brought Minoan culture and history to life with lots of images and details that made me feel like I was there. Despite how much we covered, the time flew by. Looking forward to more classes with Dimitra whose passion for Crete is inspiring.

Customer Reviews

Based on 34 reviews
97%
(33)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
Stella Koch (Great Falls, US)
Fabulous Införmation

She packed a lot of facts into a charming history of Crete. Made it clear and understandable.

M
Marie Reed (Albuquerque, US)
Outstanding and Fascinating

For 50 years I have wanted to visit Crete and the palace at Knossos. Now I know there is so much more and a visit is now #1 on my list (hope my body agrees!) . Dimitra is very knowledgable and enthusiastic and her graphics were fab. You will learn a lot thru her presentation. Really a shame that the Greek govt chooses not to spend $ on archaeology digs now--there's so much more to discover.

P
Paul Coates (Silver Spring, US)

Very engaging speaker. Fabulous material.

J
J.G. (San Francisco, US)
The Minoan Civilization with Dimitra Pilarinou

I loved this seminar. Dimitra is always so organized, thorough, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It was a pleasure and I learned a lot

S
S. (New York, US)
Fascinating journey through Minoan prehistory

Dimitra brought Minoan culture and history to life with lots of images and details that made me feel like I was there. Despite how much we covered, the time flew by. Looking forward to more classes with Dimitra whose passion for Crete is inspiring.