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THE

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MINOANS

Between 2000 and 1600 b.C. an impressive civilization

Crete, due to its strategic location in the Mediterrannean soon became a strong naval and trading power. Minoans were traveling with their ships trading olive oil, wine, pottery, jewellery and they were bringing back to Crete copper, gold and silver.

reached its peak in the island of Crete. It was named Minoan civilization after the mythical king Minoas. In fact Minoas was the name given to all the kings of Crete, through many centuries.

The cities in Crete didn't need protective walls around them. These were not necessary since the Minoan navy was so strong that nobody would try to attack the island.

English archaelogist Arthur Evans was the first one who found the ruins of the city of Knossos.

AEGEAN SEA

A part of the palace of Knossos as it looks like today.

(ΣΑΝΤΟΡΙΝΗ)

ΚΡΗΤΗ ISLAND

ΦΑΙΣΤΟΣ (SECOND IMPORTANT TOWN)

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The prince of Knossos. A fresco found in the palace.

(CAPITAL)

ΜΑΛΛΙΑ

ΖΑΚΡΟΣ

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

The Minoans were among the first people who invented writing. They used symbols of animals, plants, pots and ships imprinted with special stamps on clay surfaces. This kind of writing is called ieroglyphics. The most famous sample was the disk of Phaistos found in the ruins of the Minoan city of Phaistos. Scholars think that a religious hymn is writen on it. This type of writing is known as linear A and so far nobody knows how to read it.

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Many years later, linear B was developed by the Minoans and we were able to decode and read it. It’s definitely the oldest kind of typography.

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The Minoan civilization lasted more than 1500 years. The eruption

of

the volcano on the island of Thera (or Santorini) and the

tsunamis that followed reached all the way to Crete causing damage and weakening the power of the Minoans.

Every Spring, the Minoans were having religious events that included jumping on a bull’s back and landing on their feet behind the animal. Definitely risky...

The island of Thera (Santorini) today.

Vasileios

ΚΝΩΣΣΟΣ

It was easy for the Myceneans to invade and take over the island, soon after.

Myths Related to the Minoan World Daidalus & Icarus Labyrinth Theseus & the Minotaur

VASILEIOS

In illustration of Knossos palace. This is how it probably looked like around 1600 bC.

ΘΗΡΑ

Symbols of the Minoans were the bull’s horns and the double axes.