Minoan civilization

The most prominent and earliest seats of Western civilization first appeared on the island of Crete about 2600 BC. The people in Crete depended entirely on the sea as their means of livelihood, excellent fishermen and sea traders.

Cretan civilization, otherwise known as Minoan civilization became a maritime power in the Mediterranean Sea and developed an extensive trade network; and excelled in stonework, metalwork, ivory and gem carving, fresco painting and ceramics.

The Minoans reached its height between 1700 BC and 1450 BC. Unlike the Near East civilization that sprouted in the river valleys, the Minoan civilization developed in the sea.

Minoans traded manufactured goods for agricultural products and raw materials, such as obsidian, copper, gold and silver. They are thought to have traded for grain with farming peoples on the shores of the Black Sea.

Minoan civilization dominated the Aegean region and had great influence not only on the Anatolian coast but also on the mainland Greece.

The centers of Minoan civilization were magnificent palace complexes, whose construction at attested to the wealth and power of Minoan kings.

At its pinnacle, around 1600-1450 BC, Minoan Crete controlled a vast trading network that connected Aegean civilization to Egypt, Asia Minor, Syria and the Levant.
Minoan civilization