From all over the island of Crete the Minoan youth come to celebrate. Today is the day of, {THE LEAPING OF THE BULLS}. Many others have also come to pay tribute. The finest athletes are here, not only those from the Minoan civilization, but others as well.

Some of the ancient families have participated in the sport for many years. Always lives are taken. Young boys and girls, leap over the heads of the bulls. Often the Minoans train with the bulls. Many do not realize this. This is a skill that is passed on in families, some say it goes back to the time of Atlantis.

Prisoners can gain their freedom by conquering the bull. Those who have never trained, as the Minoans do, do not have a chance. Though given the opprotunity of freedom, these prisoners are really sacrificial victims. The crowds cheer their own, and make sport of the forieners who take up the challenge for one reason or another. From all over the Ancient World they come. Only the Minoans come willingly.

To the sound of drums and horns, the contestants form a parade to the arena. Flowers are thrown in their path. Some have come from Athens, Sparta, Thrace, and Gaul to participate. They are required to do this. They are lucky to survive such an experience. They do not have the skill to somersault in the air, as do the Minoan counterparts. In this way the Minoans show superiority to all those they subjegate.

I shall make many paintings to decorate the palaces. After the competion, a great feast will be held. The winners will be honored and will not have to work in the fields. They are given lavish gifts and are often idolized. Then after a year of fame they return to obscurity and no one hears anymore of them, till one day a son or a daughter brings reconition to the family name.