Check the listing for details. Minoan Double Axe Labrys Ancient Greece Solid Bronze 4.7". Condition: New. Listed at 49.90 USD. Knossos Labry Double Axe Double Edge Roman Viking Battle Axe Greece Crete Minoan Souvenir Solid Brass Free Shipping Height: 4.7 inches (12 cm)Width: 3.94 inches (10 cm)Depth: 1.4 inches (3.55 cm)Weight: 0.45 lbs (205 gr) The symbol of the labrys, or double-headed axe, was found frequently during archaeological excavations at the Bronze Age Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete, and has been referred to as one of the oldest symbols of Greek civilisation. Solid gold representations of the labrys featuring Linear A inscriptions, upon which our gold Labrys jewellery is based, were found in a sanctuary in the cave of Arkalochori in Crete and are thought to date to before 1600 BC. Whilst the labrys continued to retain its practical use as a forestry and hewing tool in Minoan culture, it became imbued with a special religious significance from an early stage, which can also be seen in Thracian and mainland Greek art. For the Minoans on Crete, the symbol was especially associated with female divinities and priestesses and thus became a synonym for matriarchy. To find such an axe in the hands of a Minoan woman would therefore indicate that she held a powerful position within Minoan society. Museum replicas of ancient Greek Minoan Bronze labrys Bronze labrys In other cultures, the labrys was connected with male divinities, usually Zeus. For example, in Caria, the double axe was wielded by the storm-god Zeus Labraundos, and in Indo-European mythology the labrys accompanies the archaic thunder deities Teshub and Tahrun, predecessors of Zeus. The word pelekys was also used by the Greeks to denote the double-axe, specifically the double-axe used by Zeus to summon storm clouds. This has given rise to the modern Greek word for lightening, astropeleki, literally meaning “star-axe”. Museum replica of Ancient Greek Minoan bronze double labrysBronze labrys The labrys combined its religious significance and practical capacity as an instrument of slaughter, especially of bulls, at religious sacrifices. It is also thought that the labyrinth, the maze in which the mythical Minotaur was kept, is etymologically connected with the word labrys, intimating a further link between the labrys and the bull, a hallowed creature in Minoan culture. Return PolicyCustomers must inspect item(s) and notify us within 14 days of any problems.If you have a problem with your item please contact us before leaving feedback.Returns are accepted, the buyer must pay my initial shipping cost and also pay for the return shipping cost. Items must be returned in the exact same condition that they were shipped out in. I don't do returns based on size/colour and failure to read my item description and review pictures. WarrantyNo manufacturer's warranty should be expected unless stated in description Terms & Conditions By paying for this item you acknowledge you reviewed all the pictures/description are satisfied with the condition and any other feature the item has, if you have any questions about the item, size color ext, message me prior to purchasing. Only what is in the pictures is included, nothing else, don't assume anything. If cables, accessories or anything else isn't pictured then there not included. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, please don't be quick to leave negative/neutral feedback I'll do my best to work things out if there is a problem with your purchase. If you are satisfied with the product and service, please leave positive feedback. Thanks for looking, check out my other eBay listings. Be sure to click Follow This Seller if your interested in more items like this. Our shipments are processed within 1 business day of cleared payment. (excluding holidays) Thanks for looking! View more great items