Minoan Empire
(Text by Duane R. Hurst © 2013)
Click on a link to view its information and pictures.
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MINOAN LINKS: Significant Event: Construction of Knossos Palace Rise of Minoan Empire Thera Eruption in 1600 BC Main Cities: Knossos; Phaistos Time: 2000-1230 BC Language: Minoan (Phaistos Disc) Personage: Minoan Women; Prince Religion: Minoan Gods Related Country: Crete; Greece |
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Brief History: I have included only a few items concerning the history of this empire. A good source for more details can be found on Wikipedia or in history books. LEGEND AND EARLY YEARS: This Bronze Age civilization flourished between the 27th and 15th centuries BC on the island of Crete. Modern scholars associated the mythology of ancient Athens with the ancient palace at Knossos, including a labyrinth designed by Daedalus. According to legend, King Minos kept a Minotaur (part man; part bull) in the labyrinth. Minoans became a major seafaring power and traded extensively with Egypt. They stored goods in large pithoi (pottery jars) or shipped them abroad. Their warriors controlled sea lanes to maintain security for the empire. Minoans also were famous for religious bull dancing (See Additional Picture). The women wore open-front, fancy dresses and Often congregated in palace courts. END OF THE MINOANS: Circa 1700 BC a major earthquake destroyed multiple palaces, including those at Kato Zakros, Knossos, Malia and Phaistos. Minoans quickly rebuilt and made the palaces sturdier. Another quake in 1600 BC struck a Minoan community on Thera and a stronger one in 1450 BC caused a tidal wave that swept through the Aegean Sea, possibly a reference to the destruction of Atlantis. Knossos was left intact and exerted greater influence on Crete. In 1420 BC a Mycenaean invasion ended the Minoan civilization. |
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© Page Publisher: Duane R. Hurst
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