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labyrinth
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thumb|Silver coin from Knossos displaying the 7-course "Classical" design to represent the Labyrinth,
A labyrinth is a complex maze-like path or structure with winding passages, historically represented in ancient designs like the seven-course pattern shown on coins from the Greek city of Knossos. Labyrinths have remained culturally significant symbols throughout history, appearing in art, architecture, and mythology across different civilizations.
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~24 min read
Article
19 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Ancient labyrinths
- Cretan labyrinth
- The Egyptian labyrinth
- Pliny's Lemnian labyrinth
- Pliny's Italian labyrinth
- Ancient labyrinths outside Europe
- Labyrinth as pattern
- Medieval labyrinths and turf mazes
- <span id="Modern"></span> Modern labyrinths
- Cultural meanings
- Labyrinth walking
- Christian use
- Usage in media
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Sources
- External links
thumb|Silver coin from Knossos displaying the 7-course "Classical" design to represent the Labyrinth,
In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth () is an elaborate, confusing structure designed and built by the mythological artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos. Its function was to hold the Minotaur, the monster eventually killed by the hero Theseus. Daedalus had so cunningly made the Labyrinth that he could barely escape it after he built it.