What do scientists think ended the Minoan civilization?

Archaeologists have now enough evidence to believe that the reputed Minoan Civilization was severely damaged and affected by the eruption of Santorini Volcano, which destroyed their fleet. It is estimated that the palaces of the Minoan Civilization were destroyed almost 150 years after the volcanic eruption.

What is modern day Minoan?

The term “Minoan” refers to the mythical King Minos of Knossos, a figure in Greek mythology associated with Theseus, the labyrinth and the Minotaur. It is purely a modern term with a 19th-century origin. Hoeck, with no idea that the archaeological Crete had existed, had in mind the Crete of mythology.

What is the main cause of the downfall of the Minoan civilization?

The event traditionally associated with the fall of the Minoans was the eruption of a nearby volcanic island, Mount Thera (modern-day Santorini). More destructive was a massive tsunami that resulted from the eruption and devastated the Minoan settlements on the northern coast of Crete.

What happened to the Minoan civilization quizlet?

In 1450 B.C. the Minoan civilization suddenly collapsed, some historians think undersea earthquakes caused giant waves that washed away the Minoans’ cities. Others think the cities were destroyed by a group from mainland Greece named Mycenaeans.

How did Minoan and Mycenaean civilization influence the emergence of Greek civilization?

The Mycenaeans took over the islands of the Minoans and adopted much of the Minoan culture. They adapted the writing of the Minoans to their own language. Today this writing is called “Linear B.” The Mycenaean civilization began to collapse around 1250 BC when many of their cities were burnt to the ground.

Where did the Minoan civilization flourish?

Crete
Minoan civilization, Bronze Age civilization of Crete that flourished from about 3000 bce to about 1100 bce. Its name derives from Minos, either a dynastic title or the name of a particular ruler of Crete who has a place in Greek legend.

What contributed most to the economic wealth of the Minoans?

Overview of the Minoan Economy The Minoan economy was based in the maritime trade of agricultural products like wine, olives, and figs in exchange for minerals and other resources like copper and ivory.

What did the Minoan civilization do?

Introduction. The Minoans have an important place in world history, as building the first civilization to appear on European soil. Minoan civilization emerged around 2000 BCE, and lasted until 1400 BCE. The Minoans were famous for the magnificent palaces they built, above all at Knossos.

What accounts for the collapse of Minoan civilization?

Volcanic explosion. Three and a half thousand years ago, the tiny Aegean island of Thera was devastated by one of the worst natural disasters since the Ice Age – a huge volcanic eruption. This cataclysm happened 100km from the island of Crete, the home of the thriving Minoan civilisation.

How did the Minoans become a wealthy civilization?

The Minoans developed wealth by using trade as their important economic activity. They sailed to Egypt and Syria and traded pottery and stone vases for ivory and metals. Minoan ships also patrolled the eastern Mediterranean Sea to protect Minoan trade from pirates. The Minoans developed wealth through trade.

What is the history of the Minoan civilization?

See Article History. Minoan civilization, Bronze Age civilization of Crete that flourished from about 3000 bc to about 1100 bc. Its name derives from Minos, either a dynastic title or the name of a particular ruler of Crete who has a place in Greek legend. Snake goddess, faience statuette from the temple depository of Knossos, c. 1600 bc.

What caused the destruction of the Minoans in Crete?

The only way they could have been deposited on the land of Crete was by a tsunami. The tidal wave caused by Santorini Volcano travelled and hit the shores of Crete, destroying the plantations, the crops, the ships and commerce, devitalizing and deviating the Minoan Civilization.

What do Minoan frescoes reveal about the Minoan culture?

These frescoes display both secular and religious scenes, such as magical gardens, monkeys, and wild goats or fancifully dressed goddesses that testify to the Minoans’ predominantly matriarchal religion.

How did the Mycenean culture spread to Crete?

Minoan cultural influence was reflected in the Mycenean culture of the mainland, which began to spread throughout the Aegean about 1500 bce. By the middle of the 15th century the palace culture on Crete was destroyed by conquerors from the mainland. They established a new order on Crete, with centres at Knossos and Phaistos.