Hybrid and monstrous creatures in Minoan iconography

Hybrid and monstrous creatures in Minoan iconography
Hybrid and monstrous creatures in Minoan iconography

A feeling of excitement is always present, when we get in touch with myths and legends of monstrous creatures and imaginary beings. That happens due to their illustration and how their existence is being explained.

In this online course you'll have the chance to meet the most popular Greek mythological creatures, found in Minoan Iconography, which have been recognized and studied by various scholars. Some of the peculiar monsters you will meet during the course, are: Sphinx, Minotaur, Gorgoneion and Dragon. Take a deeper look into the Greek mythology and discover creatures you could hardly imagine or picture.

After all, isn't it true that most of us like fairytales with monsters and dragons, even in their modern printed and /or cinematic version? All of the above will be analyzed further and in detail in this significant online course, included in the category of Arts and Culture.

Upon successful completion of the lessons, the participant will receive a training certificate while acquiring a magnificent one time experience.

 

Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology
Post-doctoral Researcher

My name is Eleni Mantzourani and I am currently a full professor of Prehistoric Archaeology in the faculty of History and Archaeology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. I would like to invite you to join me in a trip to the exciting world of Prehistoric Aegean and East Mediterranean cultures. Let us slip in to the secrets of this world. Minoan iconography is rich in representations of hybrid and monstrous figures which had been created in the imagination of the prehistoric Cretans. Among the most popular imaginary creatures which have been recognized and studied by various scholars are the following. The Griffin, the Sphinx (also considered as Royal), the Minoan Genius, the Dragon, the Minotaur and the Bird Headed Human, woman or man. This programme discusses each creature separately and refers to the history of research, the possible provenance of each iconographic type, its chronological and typological development and finally its meaning. The main sources of information are: the glyptic art, seals, ceilings and golden signet rings, the wall paintings, the gold ivory and faience work and other. The Minoan world seems to have also included a series of mythical creatures, some of which had been imported and adapted from Egypt and the near East, while others were of local inspiration. All these creatures were linked to both ritual practices but also to the exercise of power and authority. Thank you very much for your attention.

The programme is addressed not only to students of Archaeology but also to the broader public, especially those with a particular interest in prehistoric/protohistoric times in broader eastern Mediterranean area. 

Minoan iconography is rich in representations of hybrid and monstrous figures which have been created in the imagination of the prehistoric Cretans. ​The Minoan world seems to have also included a series of mythical creatures, some of which had been imported and adapted from Egypt and the Near East, while others were of local inspiration. All these creatures were linked to both ritual practices but also to the exercise of power and authority.

This programme aims to discuss each creature separately and refer to the history of research, the possible provenance of each iconographical type, its chronological and typological development and finally its meaning. The main sources of information are: the glyptic art (seals, sealings and golden signet rings), the wall-paintings, the gold, ivory and faience work and other.
 

Lesson 1: GRIFFIN-UNICA-SPHINX
This lesson examines the representations of  Griffin-Unica-Sphinx in Minoan iconography.

Lesson 2:MINOAN GENIUS -MINOAN DRAGON
This lesson examines the  representations of  Genius and Dragon in Minoan iconography.

Lesson 3: THE HUMAN-BIRD CREATURES -MINOTAUR-OTHER BIPOD CREATURES –GORGONEION
This lesson examines the  representations of  human-bird creatures, minotaur, bipod creatures and gorgoneion in Minoan iconography.

 

The  assessment  methods will be based on  a mixture of open and closed type questions. 

Online and distance training learning at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens offers a new way of combining innovative learning and training techniques with interaction with your tutor and fellow trainees from around the world.

The e-learning course is implemented via a user-friendly educational platform adjusted to the Distance Learning Principles. Courses are structured as weekly online meetings; interaction with the course tutor and other trainees takes place in a digital learning environment. The courses are designed to fit around your schedule; you access the course whenever it is convenient for you, however within the given deadlines.

The whole world becomes your classroom as e-learning can be done on laptops, tablets and phones as a very mobile method. Learning can be done on the train, on a plane or even during your trip to Greece!

The educational platform is a portal that offers access to electronic educational material based on modern distance learning technologies. The computer based nature of training means new technology is being introduced all the time to help trainees engage and learn in a tailored way that will meet their needs. E-learners have access to the educational platform with their personal code number in order to browse all relevant training material and interact with their instructors.

Moreover, an online communication system through own personal e-mail account is available in order to make the process easier and more interactive. Trainees can contact directly their tutors or the administration office of the course and share any concerns or anxieties related to the course in order to make the most of their experience.

Every week e-learners are provided with the relevant material, delivered either in the form of video-lectures, text notes and relevant presentations or as a combination of them. The educational material of the course is uploaded gradually, per educational unit. During the course, important info for the smooth conduct of the educational process, such as timetables for the submission of the exercises are announced on the Announcement section of the platform.

For successful completion of the course the e-learner should have fulfill her/his academic obligations, meaning should have submitted all corresponding assessment exercises and have achieved at least an average of 50% grade in the corresponding tests for each module. The score scale ranges from 0 to 100%. Finally, if the total score on one or more lessons of the course does not exceed 50%, trainees can ask for reassessment.

During the course trainees will be attending a training experience designed by academics and lecturers from the National University of Athens as well as from other Universities, Research Institutes and Cultural organizations around Greece.

Interactivity, flexibility and our long tradition guarantee that learning with us offers a successful and rewarding experience. Finally, access to a large variety of material and online resources available in each unit aims to excite your curiosity and guide you in exploring further your favourite topic. Part of the online material can be downloaded providing the chance to quickly refresh your memory after the completion of the course.