The Minoans were an ancient civilization that originated in Crete around 2500 BC and dominated the Aegean region by 1600 BC. They traded extensively with Egypt and the Middle East and their economy depended on trade by 1400 BC when they were conquered by the Mycenaeans. The Minoans ate foods like squid, beans, meats from sheep, goat, cattle and pig, as well as wild plants and grains. They wore clothing like loincloths for men and layered skirts and bodices for women, and both men and women were depicted with long curly hair in paintings.