The Hidden Ruler: Art and Politics in Minoan Crete

Abstract

Although there are numerous images that can be associated with the expression of the values and ideals of the ruling elites, the absence of overt ruler propaganda in Minoan official art is striking and has often been commented on. This paper argues that with regard to the expression of political power Minoan culture favoured the allusive and the polysemic. In particular, there was an overlap between religious and political imagery and depictions relating to the divine sphere would have been understood as also referring to the power of the palatial elites.

DOI:10.2458/azu_jaei_v07i3_whittaker