 Minoan Civilization was an

Aegean Bronze Age Civilization,

ruled by King Minos.

 It is located on the island of Crete

and other Aegean Islands such as
Santorini, flourishing from
approximately 2600 to 1400 BC
until a late period of decline,
finally ending around 1100 BC.
 The civilization was
rediscovered at the beginning
of the 20th century through the
work of British archaeologist
Sir Arthur Evans.
 The name "Minoan" derives
from the mythical King
Minos and was coined by
Evans, who identified the site
at Knossos with
the labyrinth and the Minotaur.
 The Minoan civilization has been described as the
earliest of its kind in Europe.

 Historian Will Durant called the Minoans "the first link

in the European chain".
 Trade
 Crete became the central
exporter of wine, oil,
jewelry, and highly crafted
works; in turn they became
importers of raw materials
and food.
 In the process they the first
major navy ship in the
world.
Architectures

 Drainage system,
public halls, courtyards,
religious shrines and
ship building.
Agriculture
PLANTS
 Wheat, barley, lettuce,
vetch, castor oil plants,
sesame hemp, flax,
celery, asparagus, carrots,
peas, grapes, pears, figs,
olives, poppies for poppy
seed and opium.
Agriculture

ANIMALS

 Cattle, sheep, goats,

pigs and bees
Agriculture

FARMING

 Mediterranean
polyculture
 CATASTROPHE

 Violent earthquake
 Eruption occurred