The Minoans were part of a civilization that lasted in various stages from 2050 BC to 1470 BC. The Minoans lived on a large island in the Mediterranean called Crete (see map). They were a sophisticated culture that was generally peaceful and enjoyed the profits of a healthy trade economy. Do not confuse the Minoans with the classical Greeks who came later, around 900-400 B.C.
The Minoans do appear in Greek mythology however. The Cretan ruler King Minos was said to have kept the Minotaur, a creature that was half man - half bull, in the Labyrinth below his palace. The Athenian legend has Theseus slay the beast to put a stop to the seven boys and seven girls that they were being forced to sacrifice.
The palace at the town of Knossos was the center of Minoan government. Many ruins are being excavated there. The ash that fell during the eruption of Thera also fell on Knossos, but does not appear to have ended the Minoan civilization. That happened two hundred years later, when there was an invasion by the original Greeks (called the Mycenaeans) living on the mainland to the north.
