Rise of Minoan Civilization: What Happened
Around 3000 BC, a remarkable civilization began to take shape on the island of Crete. Its people learned to work bronze, farm the island's fertile valleys and plains, and sail to Egypt, the Cyclades and the Near East to trade. Over the next thousand years, these communities grew into Europe's first advanced Bronze Age civilization, with grand palaces, their own writing systems, vivid frescoes and a trading network that reached across the eastern Mediterranean. The name Minoan is modern. The British archaeologist Arthur Evans coined it in the early 1900s after Minos, the legendary king of Crete from Greek myth. What the Minoans called themselves is unknown, because their language has never been deciphered. Their civilization reached its height between about 1700 and 1450 BC, when Crete was the leading sea power of the Aegean. Minoan ideas in art, religion and architecture spread to the Cyclades and mainland Greece, and they left a deep mark on the Mycenaeans, who eventually took control of the island around 1450 BC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Minoans?
The Minoans were a Bronze Age civilization that flourished on Crete from around 3000 to 1450 BC. They built grand palaces, developed their own writing systems and dominated trade across the Aegean Sea.
Why are they called Minoans?
The name was invented by the British archaeologist Arthur Evans in the early 1900s, after Minos, the legendary king of Crete in Greek myth. What the Minoans called themselves is unknown because their language has not been deciphered.
Were the Minoans Greek?
The Minoans were not Greek speakers. Their language, written in Linear A, is unrelated to Greek and remains undeciphered. However, their culture strongly influenced the Mycenaean Greeks, who later took control of Crete.
What is the Minoan civilization famous for?
The Minoans are famous for their palace of Knossos, colorful frescoes, bull-leaping rituals, advanced plumbing, fine pottery and far-reaching sea trade. They are often called Europe's first advanced civilization.
Where can I see Minoan sites today?
The best-known Minoan sites are the palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros on Crete. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum holds the world's finest collection of Minoan art and artifacts.
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