Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe
Step into the World Before Greece Had a Name...
In Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe, Scottish folklorist and journalist Donald A. Mackenzie takes readers on a captivating journey into the forgotten civilizations that flourished long before the rise of classical Greece. First published in 1917, this groundbreaking work delves into the lost world of the Minoans-a sophisticated maritime people whose island empire was shattered by natural disasters and foreign conquest, only to live on in legend.
From the haunting tales of King Minos and the Labyrinth, to the myths of Daedalus and Icarus, to echoes of Atlantis, Mackenzie reveals how Greek mythology borrowed heavily from the deep well of earlier Cretan traditions. Drawing on early archaeological findings, vibrant frescoes, goddess figurines, and fragments of oral storytelling, he reconstructs a compelling picture of a pre-Hellenic society steeped in mystery and ritual.
Both thought-provoking and highly readable, this book blends folklore, history, and archaeology into a sweeping narrative that explores the roots of European myth. Ideal for readers fascinated by ancient history, mythology, goddess culture, or the origins of Western civilization, Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe invites you to rediscover the forgotten legends and lost peoples that shaped the mythic foundations of Europe.
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Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe
Step into the World Before Greece Had a Name...
In Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe, Scottish folklorist and journalist Donald A. Mackenzie takes readers on a captivating journey into the forgotten civilizations that flourished long before the rise of classical Greece. First published in 1917, this groundbreaking work delves into the lost world of the Minoans-a sophisticated maritime people whose island empire was shattered by natural disasters and foreign conquest, only to live on in legend.
From the haunting tales of King Minos and the Labyrinth, to the myths of Daedalus and Icarus, to echoes of Atlantis, Mackenzie reveals how Greek mythology borrowed heavily from the deep well of earlier Cretan traditions. Drawing on early archaeological findings, vibrant frescoes, goddess figurines, and fragments of oral storytelling, he reconstructs a compelling picture of a pre-Hellenic society steeped in mystery and ritual.
Both thought-provoking and highly readable, this book blends folklore, history, and archaeology into a sweeping narrative that explores the roots of European myth. Ideal for readers fascinated by ancient history, mythology, goddess culture, or the origins of Western civilization, Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe invites you to rediscover the forgotten legends and lost peoples that shaped the mythic foundations of Europe.
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Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe

Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe

by Donald A. Mackenzie
Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe

Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe

by Donald A. Mackenzie

Paperback

$24.00 
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Overview

Step into the World Before Greece Had a Name...
In Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe, Scottish folklorist and journalist Donald A. Mackenzie takes readers on a captivating journey into the forgotten civilizations that flourished long before the rise of classical Greece. First published in 1917, this groundbreaking work delves into the lost world of the Minoans-a sophisticated maritime people whose island empire was shattered by natural disasters and foreign conquest, only to live on in legend.
From the haunting tales of King Minos and the Labyrinth, to the myths of Daedalus and Icarus, to echoes of Atlantis, Mackenzie reveals how Greek mythology borrowed heavily from the deep well of earlier Cretan traditions. Drawing on early archaeological findings, vibrant frescoes, goddess figurines, and fragments of oral storytelling, he reconstructs a compelling picture of a pre-Hellenic society steeped in mystery and ritual.
Both thought-provoking and highly readable, this book blends folklore, history, and archaeology into a sweeping narrative that explores the roots of European myth. Ideal for readers fascinated by ancient history, mythology, goddess culture, or the origins of Western civilization, Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe invites you to rediscover the forgotten legends and lost peoples that shaped the mythic foundations of Europe.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9798319661975
Publisher: Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date: 07/19/2025
Pages: 680
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

Donald A. Mackenzie (1873–1936) was a Scottish journalist, folklorist, and prolific writer whose works explored the rich tapestry of ancient myths, world religions, and early civilizations. Known for his clear narrative style and meticulous research, Mackenzie had a unique ability to bring arcane topics to life for general readers. His writings often bridged the gap between folklore and archaeology, delving into the spiritual and cultural undercurrents of ancient societies. Through works such as Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe, he helped awaken modern interest in early European cultures and the forgotten myths that shaped them. Mackenzie’s legacy endures as a storyteller-scholar who revealed the echoes of the past hidden within legend.
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