Art Research Minoan and Mayan

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Minoan and Mayan Cultures The Minoan culture and the Mayan culture both have very distinct attributes to their lifestyle and their art. These two cultures also share things in common. The differences and similarities lie between their art, architecture, and their expression through each of these. The Minoan and Mayan culture can also be seen into today’s society by the impression it made and has left in our world. The Minoans lived on an island called, Crete. Crete is located in the middle of Asia, Europe, and Africa. The location of the Minoans gave them access to the ideas and beliefs of other cultures. The Minoans took the other culture’s ideas and beliefs and then adapted it to their own. By doing this, they created a unique culture and lifestyle for themselves. To make money for themselves, farmers would grow large crops. Their main crops were olives and grapes. The main reason for growing these crops to raise money was to support the community palaces (Cowan pg.1). The Minoans constructed palaces for the main purpose of their society being able to use it for community functions and activities. They were a very community based culture and society. The art that was displayed inside these palaces on the wall, the pottery, the sculptures, metal work, or just in the villa all give off a sense of happiness. They depict the environment with their lives and what was around them. The Minoan art shows that they were very proud in who they were and could adapt to their environment (Sakoulus). The Mayan people lived through Central and South America. Their culture lasted from 2000 B.C. to 1500 A.D. The Mayans are credited to be a very talented civilization (Borade). Developing a calendar, and alphabet, hieroglyphics, and astronomical systems showed that they were very intelligent people. They Mayans did not have one unified government due to the fact their people were
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