Minoan Crete, for many years scholars did not have an explanation for this civilization. But thanks to a man named Sir Arthur Evans we now know more about this civilization than we did before. Sir Arthur Evans discovered this civilization at the beginning of the 20th century the term, “Minoan” in Minoan Crete Comes from the king of this place whose name was King Minos. Minoan Crete has been called, “the first link in the European chain.” This term was coined by historian Will Durant.
Homer says that Crete had ninety cities. The island was most likely divided into at least eight political units at the height of the Minoan period. The Minoans also traded with other countries. It appears that they traded with the Canaanites, Egyptians and most likely more. It seems they were mostly a peaceful country and did not have many enemies. There is very little fortification around Minoan Crete. There is no evidence of a Minoan army either. It would seem they didn’t pick many fights.
The downfall of Minoan Crete is unclear. There is a theory of a volcano erupting and severely effecting Minoan Crete. The extent of the damage is unclear and no one is sure how bad it was. It is evident that the volcano did not destroy the Minoans immediately it is believed that the volcano triggered a downfall in their society making them vulnerable to conquest by the Myceneans.
The Minoans appeared to be a peaceful, hardworking, creative civilization. We still marvel at their art and pottery today. Truly, these people were an influence on the art and culture that came after them.
References, Wikipedia Minoan Crete
Some Little Thoughts 