Minoan Winter

Original Greek Version

Άσπρα σαν τα σύννεφα ειν’τα βουνά εκιά πέρα.
Βροχή και καταβατικοί άνεμοι κάθε μέρα!

Δόξα την Θεά που η συγκομιδή ήταν άφθονη,
η ζεστασιά στα παλάτια και σπίτια μας μπόλικη.

Transliteration

Áspra san ta sýnnefa ein’ta vouná ekiá péra.
Vrohí kai katavatikoí ánemoi káthe méra!

Dóxa tin Theá pou i synkomidí ítan áfthoni,
i zestasiá sta palátia kai spítia mas bóliki.

English Version

The mountains in the distance, white like clouds.
Rain and katabatic winds all around!

Thank Goddess the harvest was bountiful!
The warmth in our palaces, plentiful.

Note: Similar to Modern Crete, Ancient Crete had short, mild winters (though winters on the the north end were a little harsher). To keep warm, they utilized centralized heating systems in their palaces and elite homes and implemented bioclimatic architectural designs. Besides that, simple fires, heavier clothing, and communal living spaces were commonplace. Katabatic winds are winds that blow down a slope, which are caused by gravity pulling dense, cold air downhill.