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

Crete civilization (3560–1400 B.C)

Crete may have been settled as early as 10,000 BC, by people from Syria and western Anatolia; refugees from Egypt may have settled there in 3000 BC.

The first Aegean civilization developed on the island of Crete probably because it was safe from invasion. Crete became the center of the Aegean world and dominated the people living on the mainland.

The people of Crete were called Minoans because the king was called “minos”. A Bronze Age civilization that used metals, especially bronze, in making weapons had been established there by 2800 BC.

The Minoan civilization reached its height between 2000 and 1450 BC. The palace at Knossus, the royal seat of the kings, demonstrates the prosperity and power of this civilization.

Trade was the life blood of the island, and for a long time its merchants held a commanding position in the Mediterranean Sea. By 2100 BC, there was a brisk trade among the Mycenaean cities of Greece, Crete and the city of Troy. Cretans also traded with the Egyptians and with the cities along the coast of Palestine.
Crete civilization (3560–1400 B.C)