The popularity of Phaistos disc jewelry is increasing very quickly and everybody who sees it feels naturally drawn to it. Phaistos disc is one of the greatest mysteries that make it even more special and desirable. No matter what ancient Greek jewelry you have set your eyes on, we can bet that once you read these interesting facts about Phaistos disc, you will certainly develop a desire to have a look at it and probably want to keep it with you in the form of jewelry. Let’s dive in what makes Phaistos disc the most fascinating relic.
5 Interesting Facts About Phaistos Disc
Phaistos Disc Borrowed Its Name from the Place Called Phaistos.
Phaistos is not just the name of the Greek disc with which the archaeologists, history experts, and linguists from around the world are obsessed. Phaistos is also the name of a Bronze Age archaeological site located at modern Faistos. Phaistos is often transliterated as Festos, Phaestos, and Latin Phaestus. Ancient Phaistos was just about 5.6 km east of the Mediterranean Sea and about 62 km south of Heraklion – the second largest of Minoan Crete. At that time, the name itself was substantiated by the coins of the ancient city.
Phaistos Disc Is Older Than the World-Renowned, Legendary Trojan War.
The Phaistos disc, discovered by the Italian archaeologist Luigi Pernier, is believed to be made during 1700 BCE. This means the disc exists for about 500 years even before the worldwide famous Trojan War. At that time, Minoans which is one of the most ancient societies in Greece used to live on Crete Island.
Its Inscription Is Believed to Be a Prayer for Greek Goddesses.
The Phaistos disc is about 15 cm in diameter and is inscribed with a spiral of stamped symbols on both sides. According to Mr. Gareth Owens, Manager/Tutor of the International Relations Office of the Hellenic Mediterranean University and Associate Professor of Hellenic Culture – History, Language, and Civilization, the inscription is a prayer to the pregnant goddess and the goddess Aphaia.
He suggested that the one side of the disc refers to the pregnant goddess that “shines” and the other side represents the goddess that “sets” – probably the goddess Aphaia.
Phaistos Disc Is the First-Known Printed Work in the History.
Phaistos disc is also the first-known printed work in the entire history in the sense that it contains a re-usable set of unique characters and drawings. Another special thing about this disc is that it is the only historical artifact of this kind, which makes it even more intriguing.
No One Has the Practical Knowledge of the Language on the Disc.
The symbols and drawings inscribed on the disc are said to be originated from the Minoan script and are believed to be the best example of ‘Cretan hieroglyphics’. Till this moment, there is no practical knowledge about the Minoan written language. Many experts also believe that this language has influenced the Modern Greek alphabet. However, the uniqueness and the shortness of the text on the disc make it likely that it will not be deciphered.
Hence, the Phaistos disc is one of the most mysterious and valuable treasures in the Greek world that allures jewelers to mimic its design in jewelry. So, if you are looking for something unique and beautiful that adds charm to your personality or thinking of giving a beautiful special gift, Phaistos disc jewelry proves to be the best choice.