Book Description

The magnificent works of art of ancient Crete, Mycenae and the Cycladic islands are awe-inspiring in their richness, variety and vitality. Frescoes, jewelry, sculpture, gold funeral masks, ivories and countless other beautiful artifacts - all the significant works of art and architecture that are our legacy front those great Aegean civilizations of the third and second millennia BC - are described and illustrated in Dr. Higgins' distinguished and classic survey. What emerges is an impressive picture of flourishing Bronze Age cultures that should be viewed not simply in the shadow of classical Greek art but as major achievements in their own right. This updated edition incorporates greater coverage of the breathtaking frescoes from Akrotiri, on the island of Thera. Other recent discoveries and research are also included, such as the unique ivory figurine from Palaikastro, objects from the palace of Mallia and the intriguing presence of Minoan-style frescoes in Egypt.