It has often been claimed that the bull fulfilled an important role in Bronze Age Greece. The reason for this is that many representations are found during excavations in this area. However, the...Show moreIt has often been claimed that the bull fulfilled an important role in Bronze Age Greece. The reason for this is that many representations are found during excavations in this area. However, the assumption that the male bovine had an essential role seems mainly to be based on assumptions, preconceptions about prehistory and later Greek myths. This thesis seeks to provide a more objective perspective on the situation and combines iconographic material, faunal remains and Linear B texts to give a more complete image. The focus lies on the Late Bronze Age, a period from which most data is available. The main question is what role the bull played in Late Bronze Age Greece, in religious and secular spheres and how these roles relate to each other. Every chapter is dedicated to a sub-question. For the iconographical material a methodology is used focussed on the recognition of behaviour and characteristics of the depicted bovine; this has never been done before in this field of research. Based on the analysis it is concluded that the bull played an important role as a prestigious animal used for sacrifice and bull games. Furthermore, a possible connection with the military is established. However, the religious role of the bull remains as yet disputable.Show less
