A Minoan Geometry for Bisecting and Trisecting the Right Angle
8 Pages Posted: 25 Mar 2016 Last revised: 22 May 2016
Date Written: May 21, 2016
Abstract
In a recent paper we have shown that Egyptians of the New Kingdom were making drawings using compass and straightedge before creating the polychrome decorations of their artifact. Arguing that the use of such instruments had been previously consolidated in the eastern Mediterranean area, here we consider the possibility that the Minoan civilization had a geometry, which allowed its architects and skilled workers to bisect and trisect the right angle with compass and straightedge. To this purpose, we will analyse some decorations on artifacts and some frescoes found in the Knossos Palace of Crete and at Akrotiri, on the island of Santorini.
Keywords: Geometry, History of Science, Geometric Patterns, Compass and Straightedge Constructions, Archaeology, Minoan Civilization
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