Depiction of the sea in the Minoan frescoes from Knossos and Akrotiri (1700-1450 BC)

Introduction In the past few years the field of archaeology has witnessed a new way of studying landscapes: the focus is shifting from a terrestrial analysis towards seascapes and the influence of maritime elements. This new way of researching the landscapes has also reached the area of Mediterranean archaeology. Greece is a well-researched region in archaeology, but until the concept of seascapes arose, the focus was mainly at the inlands and not the seas in-between. Berg mentions sixty-eight surface surveys in Greece since the seventies, of which practically all are focused towards the land, even when direct access to the sea was present (Berg 2010; 16). Considering the fact that Greece consists of numerous small islands of which the inhabitants interacted with each other, the need for an interpretation that reaches beyond the boundaries of the islands is apparent. The sea should not be considered as a barrier. Instead, it should be seen as an opportunity, as a means of interaction, a source of food, and so forth. To be able to research the seascapes (a description of a landscape that also incorporates the sea) of the Greek islands, the dynamics between the islands and the mainland are important and should be explored within the context of maritime culture (Broodbank 2000; 1). This idea, the so-called island archaeology, thus aims for a method of research that incorporates the sea. In order to apply the concept of island archaeology and seascapes, a comparison between the islands Crete and Thera is made in this paper. According to Cooney: “Seeing and thinking of the sea as seascape – contoured, alive, rich in ecological diversity and in cosmological and religious significance and ambiguity – provides a new perspective on how people in coastal areas actively create their identities, sense of place and histories” (Cooney 2010; 323). In this paper, the aim is to decode the meaning of the sea for the Minoans on Crete and Thera, and to interpret the way the sea is depicted. In my opinion, art is an important medium that can offer insight in history. Depictions are impressions of what was important to the producer, the persons who decided what to depict and the ancient perceivers. Because it is impossible to depict everything, art is always a matter of selection. Thus, important elements must have been depicted. Sea fare is assumed to have been important to the Minoans; therefore my assumption is that it must have played a major role in art as well. For this paper, Minoan frescoes (1700-1450 BC) from the houses of Akrotiri (on Thera) and the palace of Knossos (Crete) will be discussed to research the perception during Minoan times. This paper will adress the origins of the idea of the sea-faring Minoans. Thera is believed to be one of the areas in the Minoan network and to be influenced by the Minoans of Crete. A comparison between ‘the trader’ (Crete) and ‘the possible outpost’ (Thera) could inform us on the perception of the sea. After this, the focus will be at the interpretation of the frescoes: what is depicted on the frescoes, what are the main themes and what role is reserved for seaborne trade?