Labrys (Greek: λάβρυς, romanized: lábrys) is, according to Plutarch (Quaestiones Graecae 2.302a), the Lydian word for the double-bitted axe. In Greek it was called πέλεκυς ( pélekys ).

The Labrys, or Minoan double axe, is one of the most iconic symbols of the Minoan civilization, representing religion, power, and mythology. This distinctive, two-bladed axe has been uncovered in palatial ruins, sanctuaries, and tombs , suggesting it played a …

Oct 13, 2019 · Labrys, the double-headed axe, has various meanings and connotations. It was a significant sacred symbol of the Minoan religion; the dominant religion of the Minoan civilization of Crete during the Bronze Age.

Dec 7, 2024 · Numerous instances of the Labrys symbol have been found during archeological excavations conducted in Crete, the center of Minoan civilization. Evidence points to its use in everyday life as well as religious rites, highlighting its significance in Minoan society.

The Arkalochori Axe is a 2nd millennium BC Minoan bronze votive double axe head or labrys excavated by Spyridon Marinatos in 1934 in the Arkalochori cave in Crete, [1] which is believed to have been used for religious rituals. [2]

Apr 25, 2024 · As the embodiment of power and religious life, the labrys traversed maritime routes from the Anatolian and Greek mainlands to Minoan Crete, where it became a central motif in the island's intricate palatial complexes and religious iconography, reflecting a narrative of cultural transmission and adaptation that spanned across centuries.

The labrys, a double-headed axe, carries deep cultural and historical significance. It was a sacred symbol in the Minoan civilization and represented the power and authority of women , especially in the worship of female deities.

The labrys, a double-headed axe, showcases ancient craftsmanship, combining functionality with symbolic significance. Each phase of its history reveals remarkable details in its design and choice of materials, reflecting the cultural values of its time.

Oct 25, 2024 · Much like the Horns of Consecration, the Labrys was an prevalent symbol throughout Minoan civilization. Not only were they created in numerous sizes with various materials like bronze, gold, or clay, but they were also carved in the outlines of the labyrinth at Knossos, as well as engraved on sealstones and painted on pottery.

The labrys is strictly equivalent to the far-eastern yin-yang symbol, itself a device of matriarchal origin. Yet the crucial point of the labrys is not the axe-head, but the central haft that passes through it.