The Minoans, a powerful civilization based on the island of Crete, dominated the Aegean Sea from 2000 to 1400 BC and influenced Greek culture. Excavations revealed the Minoans had a nature-loving, athletic culture where women played a major religious role and animals and people were sacrificed to gods. Though earthquakes in 1700 BC and a major eruption in 1470 BC damaged the Minoans, they rebuilt until invaders from Greece conquered them after the disasters. The Minoans were also skilled traders, shipbuilders, and sailors who established colonies abroad and developed a system of writing that became the alphabet.

1. Trading societies extend the
development of civilization beyond
the Fertile Crescent region.

2. The Minoan People
 Powerful
 Live on Crete in Aegean Sea
 Dominate from 2000 to 1400 B.C.
 Culture influences Greeks

3.  Excavations revealed:
 Minoans were peaceful, athletic, lovers of
nature and beauty
 Women had major role in religion
 Sacrificed animals, and people, to gods
 Name: Minoa after King Minos
 King Minos—owned a minotaur


4.  Earthquakes in 1700 B.C. caused damage,
but Minoans rebuild
 In 1470 B.C. major earthquakes and
volcanic eruption
 Minoans never recover from disasters
 Invaders from Greece take Minoan lands

5. Powerful traders.
 Skilled shipbuilders, seafarers
 Sailed around continent of Africa
 Set up colonies.
 Red-purple dye produced from snail
Legacy: System of writing that
later became the alphabet

6. Trade Links Peoples
 Helps spread culture, ideas, religion