The Minoans inhabited the island of Crete. The early Minoan civilization from 2600 to 1900 B.C., had influential contact with the Middle East and Asia Minor whom they traded with for ivory, copper, tin, and gold. According to archaeological evidence, the Minoan culture wasn't centered on authority or landlords. The Minoan culture revolved around communities and at the center of each community was a tholos tomb where the dead were buried in no hierarchical structure.
The government changed in 2000 B.C. when a monarchy was introduced. While the Minoans continued to traid with the Middle East and Asia Minor, the social structure changed to a hierarchy. The hiearchy divided the people into nobles, peasants, and slaves. Though these times started bad, they turned prosperous. This period ended in 1700 B.C. when the civilization was ravaged. By what remains unknown, but it is thought to be due to earthquakes or invaders.
Starting in 1700 B.C., the Minoans began to reconstruct their palaces and tombs. Villas in rural areas began to appear, a first in the Minoan culture. The culture had expanded to Argolis, several Aegean islands, and Penelopennese. However, the Minoans encountered competition in the form of the Myceneans, during this period of time the Minoans began crafting large amounts of weapons in preparation for possible military actions. The Mycenean culture began to invade areas in Crete, such as the palaces in Thera, Melos, and Kea. Eventually in 1375 B.C., following the destruction of Knossos, the Myceneans took most of Crete under their control.
With Crete in Mycenean control, the Minoan culture received a lot of influence from mainland Greece. From changes in artwork to changes in religion the Minoan culture was shifting to the Mycenean way of life. Minoan culture was completely changed when the Hellenics destroyed the Myceneans and reached the island of Crete. Classic Greece had formed with its capital at Athens.
The government changed in 2000 B.C. when a monarchy was introduced. While the Minoans continued to traid with the Middle East and Asia Minor, the social structure changed to a hierarchy. The hiearchy divided the people into nobles, peasants, and slaves. Though these times started bad, they turned prosperous. This period ended in 1700 B.C. when the civilization was ravaged. By what remains unknown, but it is thought to be due to earthquakes or invaders.
Starting in 1700 B.C., the Minoans began to reconstruct their palaces and tombs. Villas in rural areas began to appear, a first in the Minoan culture. The culture had expanded to Argolis, several Aegean islands, and Penelopennese. However, the Minoans encountered competition in the form of the Myceneans, during this period of time the Minoans began crafting large amounts of weapons in preparation for possible military actions. The Mycenean culture began to invade areas in Crete, such as the palaces in Thera, Melos, and Kea. Eventually in 1375 B.C., following the destruction of Knossos, the Myceneans took most of Crete under their control.
With Crete in Mycenean control, the Minoan culture received a lot of influence from mainland Greece. From changes in artwork to changes in religion the Minoan culture was shifting to the Mycenean way of life. Minoan culture was completely changed when the Hellenics destroyed the Myceneans and reached the island of Crete. Classic Greece had formed with its capital at Athens.
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