What is the Minoan civilization known for?

The Minoan civilization is known for its Bronze Age cities on Crete which had large palace-like structures. Knossos was the largest city and location of the labyrinth and minotaur of Greek mythology.

What are three important features of Minoan culture?

The Minoans on Bronze Age Crete are famous for their large palace-like buildings, their vibrant and colourful frescoes in these palaces, and their pottery which is often decorated with scenes of marine life.

Why are they called Minoans?

The name "Minoans" was coined by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in reference to Minos, the mythical king of Crete in Greek mythology.

How do the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations differ?

The Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations are very similar since the first influenced the second. The Mycenaeans built palaces which influenced later Greek buildings and were more warlike, as indicated in their art which often shows warriors, weapons, and shields.

Minoan Civilization Timeline

Definition

The Minoan civilization flourished in the Middle Bronze Age (c. 2000 - c. 1450 BCE) on the island of Crete located in the eastern Mediterranean. With their unique art and architecture, and the spread of their ideas through contact with other cultures across the Aegean, the Minoans made a significant contribution to the development of Western European civilization.

More about: Minoan Civilization

Timeline

3000 BCE
Stone tombs on Crete.
2000 BCE - 1400 BCE
Phaistos' greatest cultural height.
2000 BCE - 1700 BCE
First Minoan palace at Phaistos.
c. 2000 BCE
Pottery wheel introduced to Minoan civilization on Crete.
c. 2000 BCE - c. 1650 BCE
Cretan Hieroglyphic script is in use.
2000 BCE - 1450 BCE
Minoan civilization in Crete and the Aegean.
1900 BCE - 1500 BCE
Sphinxes are represented in Minoan art in pottery, plaques and fabrics.
c. 1900 BCE - c. 1675 BCE
First Minoan palace at Malia.
1900 BCE
First Minoan palace at Knossos.
c. 1850 BCE - c. 1450 BCE
The Linear A script of the Minoan civilization is in use.
1700 BCE
Second Palace of Knossos on Crete.
1700 BCE - 1400 BCE
The culture in the Cyclades is increasingly influenced by Minoan Crete.
1675 BCE - 1450 BCE
Second Minoan palace at Malia.
1650 BCE - 1550 BCE
Knossos survives Thera eruption.
c. 1600 BCE
Phaistos disk manufactured.
c. 1600 BCE
Rhodes has significant contact with Minoan Crete.
1500 BCE - 1450 BCE
The 'Harvester Vase' of Minoan origin depicts a sistrum player.
c. 1450 BCE
Earthquake and fire ends the Minoan period at Malia.
c. 1450 BCE
Destruction of Minoan palace at Zakros.

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