For about five centuries, Minoan Crete dominated the Aegean region. This island society was so consolidated that around 1800 BC it quickly overcame the earthquake destruction of the first palaces and new palace centres were built in Knossos, Phaistos and Mallia. The volcanic eruption of Thera (around 1613 BC) ushered in a period of crisis for Crete, which culminated in the violent destruction of the New Palaces. Only the palace of Knossos was spared from this wave of destruction. After the reconstruction of the Cretan palaces, the Minoan culture reached its cultural and economic zenith. This is the glorious era of Crete, which in later memories became associated with the mythical King Minos of Knossos and his rule over the Aegean Sea. It was during this period that this ointment vessel was created. (AVS)
Former Erhart Kästner Collection, Wolfenbüttel