Editing Minoan civilization (section)

=== Symbolism ===

Minoan horn-topped altars, which [[Arthur Evans]] called [[Horns of Consecration]], are represented in seal impressions and have been found as far afield as Cyprus. Minoan sacred symbols include the [[Bull (mythology)|bull]] (and its horns of consecration), the [[labrys]] (double-headed axe), the [[column|pillar]], the serpent, the sun-disc, the [[tree]], and even the [[Ankh]].

[[File:The Bull Leaper Knossos 1500BC.jpg|thumb|alt=Ivory figurine of a man in a diving position|''The Bull Leaper'', from Knossos ([[Heraklion Archaeological Museum]])]]

Haralampos V. Harissis and Anastasios V. Harissis posit a different interpretation of these symbols, saying that they were based on [[apiculture]] rather than religion.<ref>{{cite book|first1=Haralampos V.|last1=Harissis|first2=Anastasios V.|last2=Harissis|title=Apiculture in the Prehistoric Aegean: Minoan and Mycenaean Symbols Revisited|series=British Archaeological Reports (S1958)|year=2009|isbn=978-1-4073-0454-0|url=https://www.academia.edu/1259037}}</ref> A major festival was exemplified in [[bull-leaping]], represented in the frescoes of Knossos<ref>In the small courtyard of the east wing of the palace of Knossos.</ref> and inscribed in [[Minoan seals|miniature seals]].<ref>An ivory figure reproduced by Spyridon Marinatos and Max Hirmer, ''Crete and Mycenae'' (New York) 1960, fig. 97, also shows the bull dance.</ref>