Minoan and Mycenaean Civilizations

The Minoan civilization flourished on the island of Crete from around 3000 to 1450 BCE, known for its advanced architecture, art, and trade. They built impressive palaces like Knossos and had a writing system called Linear A. The Mycenaean civilization emerged on the Greek mainland around 1600 BCE, noted for its fortified cities and military prowess. They adopted and adapted Minoan influences, creating their own writing system, Linear B. Mycenaeans are often linked to the legendary events of the Trojan War. Both civilizations significantly shaped ancient Mediterranean culture, contributing to the foundation of later Greek civilization.