Theseus and the Minotaur

How much is true? Let’s find the evidence. • Read the Legend here :- http://myths.e2bn.org/mythsandlegends/text only563-theseus-and-the-minotaur.html

• Or look at the legend in more detail here • https://www.getepic.com/app/read/30177 or • Page 161 https://www.getepic.com/app/read/15127 Look at the evidence:

• Is there evidence to support the legend • Use the recording sheet to record your findings

• What are your conclusions? Do you think the legend could be true, based on the archaeological evidence? Remains of the palace at Knossos on Crete the scene of the encounter between Theseus and the Minotaur 1 2

A plan of the palace in the form of a maze 3 A double-headed axe, a labyr, similar to the one used in the story

marxist-theory-of-art.blogspot.com 4 An explanation as to the link between the axe and the labyrinth

The Ancient Greek word labrys means double-headed axe; and labyrinth means house of the double-headed axe. A map showing the island of Crete where the story took place and showing where the palace of Knossos was – i.e. a real place. Also shows how it relates to Greek mainland and Athens 5 6 Fresco showing bull-vaulting and bringing home how important these animals were to Minoan culture 7

An aerial view of the palace building . Ivory model showing bull vaulting found in the palace at Knossos . 8

Bull Leaper, an ivory carving from the palace of Knossos, Crete http://andrewgough.co.uk/bee2_1.html 9

Coins showing Ariadne and the maze.

Coin from Knossos depicting the Minotaur Labyrinth 10 Labyr or two-headed axe carved in stone found on the island of Crete and dated to the time of the story.

http://andrewgough.co.uk/bee2_1.html