The document summarizes several ancient civilizations including the Minoans, Mycenaeans, early Greeks, and the spread of Greek culture through Alexander the Great's empire. The Minoans built an advanced civilization on Crete with its capital at Knossos, site of the legendary Labyrinth and Minotaur. The Mycenaeans rose on the Greek mainland and may have conquered the Minoans. Early Greek city-states like Athens and Sparta developed distinct political systems but were united by culture. Greek science, philosophy, and democracy had lasting influences. Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire and spread Greek ideas throughout its territories.