The Phaeacians are good architects. Homer claims
that King Alcinous’ splendid palace is
well built and decorated; the doors, the posts, the lintel and the guarding
dogs are made of either gold or silver (Homer, Odyssey, 87). The objects which
the Phaeacians use are finely made. For example, the “seats” in their assembly
place are “of polished marble” (Homer, Odyssey, 94) and the “chair” on which
Demodocus the bard sits is “silver-studded” (Homer, Odyssey, 95). These
descriptions may also give readers an idea how rich King Alcinous is and thus emphasizing that the Phaeacians
are living in leisure.
Alcinous holds a feast for Odysseus in his palace.
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There are certain similarities between
the Phaeacian and the Minoan architecture. The Minoans too had opulent
palaces where archaeologists have found beautiful frescoes and fragments of
exquisite jewels. Adding to the splendor of the buildings, the palaces are
marked by their functions and the excellent adaptation to nature. The
effective communication between rooms was approved as well as the
distribution of light and the advance draining system (Glotz, Aegean
Civilization, 119).
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The opulence in Minoan palace can be compared
to the Phaeacian ones |
Unfortunately,
the world which Homer presents in his poem still remains unknown. It is true
Phaeacian and Minoan cultures share many similarities, but we cannot draw any
conclusion or direct connections between the two groups.People hope one day
that archaeologists will find more evidence to Homer’s stories and thus reveal
the mystery of the Phaeacians.
Coming up...Phaeacian Artistic Culture ^0^
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