Evidence for Warfare on Crete during the Early and Middle Bronze Age

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the role of warfare on Crete during the Early and Middle Minoan periods (EM and MM). Defensive architecture and weaponry production, utilization and representation are used as evidence for warfare during these periods. Furthermore, this thesis builds upon the scholarship of Minoan warfare in order to define the limitations of the defensive capabilities of Minoan Crete. The EM and MM periods on Crete show a slow advancement towards more sophisticated warfare practices. This is demonstrated by the intensification of defensive architectural programs and advanced weaponry technology of the early MM period. At the same time, population increase and social complexity may have caused extensive tension within communities, perhaps causing an increase in small-scale warfare or violence. Additionally, trade with settlements in the Aegean and the Levant may have inspired and initialized new practices in defensive mechanisms. Thus, the archaeological record of EM and MM Crete provides enough evidence to suggest warfare not only existed, but continually advanced in strategy and tactics.