The Shrine of Eileithyia, Minoan Goddess of Childbirth and Motherhood, at the Inatos Cave in Southern Crete: Volume I: The Egyptian-Type Artifacts

This volume is a catalog of ancient Egyptian imports and Egyptianizing artifacts found in 1962 during the excavation of a cave near Tsoutsouros (ancient Inatos), Crete, Greece. The cave was a sanctuary dedicated to the Minoan and Greek goddess Eileithyia. The Aegyptiaca of the Minoan and Mycenaean eras on Crete signify the political and economic relations between the Aegean rulers and the Egyptian royal court. Several of the objects are Egyptian scarabs, and they represent official Egyptian-Cretan affairs, especially those dating from the reign of Amenophis III to the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty. The statuettes, seals, and vessels are lavishly illustrated with plates of color photographs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 150 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2022
Publisher: Institute for Aegean Prehistory

This volume presents a comprehensive catalog of ancient Egyptian imports and Egyptianizing artifacts discovered during the excavation of a cave near Tsoutsouros (ancient Inatos), Crete, Greece, in 1962. The cave, revered as a sanctuary dedicated to the Minoan and Greek goddess Eileithyia, holds significant historical significance as it sheds light on the political and economic relations between the Aegean rulers and the Egyptian royal court during the Minoan and Mycenaean eras on Crete.

Among the numerous artifacts documented in the Aegyptiaca of the Minoan and Mycenaean eras, several notable items are Egyptian scarabs. These scarabs, intricately designed with Egyptian motifs, serve as tangible evidence of official Egyptian-Cretan affairs, particularly during the reigns of Amenophis III and the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty. Their presence in the cave underscores the close cultural and diplomatic ties between these two ancient civilizations.

The majority of the cataloged objects in this volume originate from the 10th to 7th centuries B.C., a period during which the goddess of childbirth and motherhood, Eileithyia, was particularly venerated. The statuettes, seals, and vessels, adorned with lavish illustrations featuring plates of color photographs, serve as exquisite examples of the artistic craftsmanship and religious significance of this era.

The excavation of the Tsoutsouros cave not only yielded a wealth of archaeological treasures but also provided valuable insights into the complex interplay of cultures and civilizations in the ancient Mediterranean world. The Aegyptiaca of the Minoan and Mycenaean eras on Crete serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Egypt on the region, and this volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 842g
Dimension: 223 x 295 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781931534345