The Minoans were an advanced Bronze Age civilization centered on Crete that flourished between 2700-1500 BC. They built large palaces and established an empire through skilled trading. Their society was based around female goddesses and had equal roles for men and women. Natural disasters and overuse of resources contributed to their decline. The Mycenaeans were influenced by Minoan culture and dominated Greece from 1600-1100 BC through warfare and fortress construction. Both civilizations declined, ushering in the Greek Dark Ages period.