Minoan Civilization: Europe's First Advanced Civilization
On Bronze Age Crete, the Minoans built Europe's first advanced civilization, with grand palaces, vivid frescoes and a far-reaching sea trade. Explore its rise, its splendor and its mysterious decline.
Key Events of the Minoan Civilization
The Story of the Minoan Civilization
On the island of Crete, the Minoans built the first advanced civilization in Europe. From around 3000 BC, they grew rich through farming, crafts and seaborne trade with Egypt, the Near East and the Aegean islands. Around 1900 BC, they built great palaces at Knossos, Phaistos and Malia, which served as centers of government, religion, storage and industry. The Minoans developed their own writing system, Linear A, which has never been deciphered, and created vivid frescoes of bull-leaping, nature and ceremony that reveal a sophisticated and colorful society. Earthquakes destroyed the first palaces around 1700 BC, but the Minoans rebuilt them on an even grander scale. Around 1600 BC, the volcanic eruption of Thera buried the town of Akrotiri on Santorini and may have weakened Minoan power. By around 1450 BC, Mycenaean Greeks from the mainland had taken control of Knossos, and Minoan culture slowly faded. The name Minoan comes from the legendary King Minos, and Crete's palaces later inspired the myth of the Labyrinth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Minoan civilization known for?
The Minoans were a Bronze Age people of Crete who built Europe's first advanced civilization, with palaces, writing, art and a powerful trading network across the Mediterranean.
Where does the name Minoan come from?
The name was given by archaeologist Arthur Evans, who excavated Knossos in the early 1900s. He named them after Minos, the legendary king of Crete.
What was the largest Minoan palace?
Knossos, near modern Heraklion, was the largest Minoan palace, a vast complex of rooms, courtyards and storerooms that may have inspired the legend of the Labyrinth.
Did the eruption of Thera end the Minoans?
Not directly. The eruption around 1600 BC buried Akrotiri on Santorini and may have weakened Crete, but Minoan civilization continued for over a century afterwards.
What happened to the Minoan civilization?
After around 1450 BC, many Minoan sites were destroyed and Mycenaean Greeks took control of Knossos. Minoan culture gradually faded and blended with that of the Mycenaeans.
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