Where was the Minoan civilization located? *

The Minoan civilization was located on the island of Crete, which is in the Aegean Sea, south of mainland Greece. It was one of the earliest advanced civilizations in Europe and flourished from approximately 2700 to 1450 BCE. The Minoans are well-known for their sophisticated and vibrant art, extensive trade networks, and the famous palatial centers such as Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Zakros.

Extra: The Minoan civilization, named after the mythical King Minos, is particularly noted for its contributions to the fields of architecture, fine art, and commerce. The intricate designs of their palaces, not to mention the complexity of their layout, indicate a highly organized and artistic society. The discovery of Linear A and Linear B script has also been an important window into understanding the administration and record-keeping of the Minoan people, though Linear A still remains undeciphered. The Minoans also had significant cultural influence on the Mycenaean civilization on mainland Greece, which succeeded Minoan civilization after its decline. The reasons behind the decline of the Minoan civilization are debated, but natural disasters, such as a massive volcanic eruption at Thera (modern-day Santorini) and subsequent tsunamis, are thought to have played a significant role, along with possible foreign invasions.