The Minotaur's Island
by Tim Kirby, Melanie Archer
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Bettany HughesDirector: Melanie Archer, Tim Kirby
Brand: Acorn
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 98 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-10-21
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Acorn Media
Movie Reviews of The Minotaur's Island
Movie Review: Facinating presentation by a seasoned narrator/historian
Summary: 5 Stars
"Roman Invasion of Britain" was the first Bettany Hughes DVD I viewed. It was so delightful, entertaining, and educational that I'm obtaining more of her DVD work. She is well credentialed as a British historian and her sterling delivery comes from her parental acting background. Excellence rubs off in being sharp, expressive, and captivating in front of a camera. She's photogenic plus, and while speaking on deserted Crete beaches, is tantalizing enough to create her own myth.
"The MINOTAAUR'S ISLAND" is two 49 minute segments providing a satisfying overview of the Bronze Age architectural, artifact, and archeological data of the civilization who lived 5000 years ago and who ended up with the name Minoans. Much of the latest understanding and evidence began being unearthed about 100 years ago. But many questions remain unanswered, as the narrator frequently injects. No subtitles are available, and a bio of the narrator is the only bonus. It's still worth buying, and Hughes wonderful British accent is easily understood.
1: INTO THE LABYRINTH--Hughes guides viewers and helps speculate on the Greek myths, using artifacts and archaeological digs, plus other scholars. Tantalizing clues give new insight into this lost ancient people. Craftsmanship & sophistication prove there was a society more advanced than previously believed. See the throne of King Minos at Knossos.
Malia seems an architectural duplication to Knossos. Other sites are built for the more common, likely fishermen, farmers, and skilled artisans. Greeks seem to be involved the final stages of the group; a finding of Linear B text after the code was broken. But there is a previous written language unsolved, Linear A. What could it tell us?
2: A TROUBLED ISLAND--Mochlos needed bronze (copper & tin) and took to the sea toward Egypt. Were Minoans a NW extension of the Middle East? They produced a rich, desirable purple color in texture, coveted by the world. But Crete was earthquake territory. Palaces were rebuilt and vineyard villas added. Preserved wine process tell a story but conjecture is yet needed.
About 1450 BC came the great burning--not by accident. Why?
Thera erupted 1627-1600 BC. Mochlos tsunami was 100 ft high. Then killing dust.
1200 BC is the end. With no exact known cause. The final chapter is speculative.
Truly fascinating and fun learning. It may inspire you to dig deeper, since this is just an overview of what can be found on this, Europe's first civilization. Better than a Crete travelogue.
Summary of The Minotaur's Island
The glorious rise -- and mysterious fall -- of Europe?s first civilization
Best known for the myth of the Minotaur -- a monstrous half-man, half-bull imprisoned in Daedalus?s labyrinth -- Crete gave birth to Europe?s first civilization nearly 5,000 years ago, more than two millennia before Homer composed The Iliad. Then it collapsed in fire and violence.
Join historian Bettany Hughes as she follows the footsteps of Arthur Evans, Harriet Boyd, and other famed archaeologists to find startling new insights into Minoan culture. How did this ancient people live, worship, and prosper? Why did they build such magnificent palaces, complete with hinged doors, flush toilets, and elaborate warrens of rooms? What role did the daring, acrobatic bull-leapers play in society? And did the civilization finally succumb to natural disasters, foreign invaders, or religious strife? Fresh evidence excavated from sites all over Crete offers tantalizing clues to the everyday life -- and tragic destiny -- of the accomplished artisans and architects who lived at the crossroads of the ancient world.
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