Crete is the largest Greek island in the Mediterranean Sea, with a population of over 623,000. It was home to the ancient Minoan civilization between 2600-1100 BC, considered Europe's earliest civilization. The Minoans developed the first city in Europe called Knossos, which became the political and cultural center of their advanced society known for its olive oil production and trade.

1. E-twinning
Meeting Europe
Islands
Greece
ΚΡΗΤΗ
CRETE

2. Crete is the largest and most
populous of the Greek islands. It is
fifth-largest island in the
Mediterranean sea. Crete and a
number of surrounding islands and
islets constitute the region of Crete,
the capital and the largest city is
Heraklion. As of 2011, the region
had a population of 623,065

3. .The Minoan civilization was
an Aegean Bronze Age civilization on the
island of Crete and other Aegean
islands which flourished from about 2600 to
1100 BC. It preceded the Mycenaean
civilization of Ancient Greece. The civilization
was rediscovered at the beginning of the
20th century through the work of British
archaeologist Arthur Evans. It has been
described as the earliest of its kind
in Europe,with historian Will Durant calling
the Minoans "the first link in the European
chain"

4.  Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and
has been called Europe's oldest city.
 The palace of Knossos eventually became the ceremonial and
political centre of the Minoan civilization and culture.

5. The first cultivation of the olive tree worldwide
took place in Greece, and more specific in Crete.
This happened in about 3500BC.The olive oil
production was very important in the economy.