The Development and Use of Tripartite Shrines in Minoan Civilization

Abstract

This Honors Thesisexploresthe diachronic development of tripartite shrines, a religious architectural featurefrom Minoan Crete. Ibegin by outliningthe general layouts and specific characteristicsof the structures and thendiscuss the fourmain examples of tripartite shrinesfromthe Protopalatial cemetery at Petras, the Neopalatial peak sanctuary Anemospilia,theNeopalatial Villa Complex at Vathypetro, and the Neopalatial Palace at Knossos. I will then analyze various artefacts from Minoan sitesand various other Aegean and Mediterraneancivilizations to supplement our understanding of their possible uses duringthe Neopalatial Period and modern reconstructions.I conclude, based on the physical remains and the analysis of art representations, that the center space and the open space before it served as a seat of religious power, for the veneration ofa xoanonfigure or human religious figure.