The document summarizes the early Minoan civilization in Greece. It describes the Minoans as the first civilization in the region, centered around the island of Crete, where they built grand palaces and traded by sea starting around 2800 BCE. However, around 1450 BCE the Minoan civilization mysteriously disappeared, possibly due to a cataclysmic event. According to Greek myths, it was caused by the Minotaur, a monster kept in the palace labyrinth at Knossos.

1. The Early Greeks The Minoans, the Minotaur, and the Mystery

2. Warm Up Question Based on the picture below, how would you describe the geography of Greece?

7. I. Geography of Greece A. Surrounded by water (Ionian, Med., Aegean Seas). B. Mountainous! C. Fishing over farming. D. Early Greek communities grew up independent!

8. II. The Minoans A. Minoan Civilization begins on the island of Crete around 2800 B.C.E. B. Main Idea – The Minoans earned their living by building ships and trading! C. 1 st civilization in the region that later became Greece.

10. III.Minoan Way of Life A. Sea-faring civilization. B. Carpenters built fast ships. C. Economy = trade & fishing D. By 2000 B.C.E. Minoans control trade in the Mediterranean Sea.

11. A recreation of a Minoan Ship

12. IV. Minoan Sports A. Minoans loved sports B. Built world’s first arena C. Could seat 500 peeps!!! D. Boxing Matches & Bull Leaping!

14. Bull Leaping of the Minoans

15. Not Minoan Bull Leaping

16. V. Minoan Cities A. No Walls! B. Famous for their grand palaces! C. Located in the center of the cities, royalty lived there. D. Palace of Knossos was the grandest of the grand palaces!

20. VI. The Fall of the Minoans A. Around 1450 B.C.E. Minoan civilization disappears! B. Most likely a cataclysmic event. C. The Greeks claim it was the fault of the MINOTAUR!

23. The Labyrinth and The Minotaur A Young Greek prince named Theseus was brought to Knossos. He was to be sacrificed to the Minotaur, a huge monster the king kept in the palace labyrinth. The Minotaur had the head of a bull and lived on human flesh. Theseus was put into the labyrinth. He fought the monster with a magical sword and killed it. When the Minotaur Died, the power of the Minoans died too.

24. Make a Wanted Poster Help keep the Minoans Alive. Make a wanted poster for the Minotaur, SO THE MINOANS DON’T DIE!

25. MURDER OF U.S. NATIONALS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES; CONSPIRACY TO MURDER U.S. NATIONALS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES; ATTACK ON A FEDERAL FACILITY RESULTING IN DEATH USAMA BIN LADEN Date of Photograph Unknown