Minoan Amygdaloid engraved seal, J. Paul Getty Museum

The Minoan civilization thrived on the island of Crete during the Bronze Age (circa 3000 BCE to 1100 BCE). Known for their advanced culture, vibrant art, and sophisticated architecture, the Minoans built grand palaces like Knossos, engaged in extensive maritime trade, and left behind intricate pottery and frescoes. Their religion, centered on nature deities and rituals like bull-leaping, and their enigmatic script, Linear A, contribute to their enduring mystery. The civilization's decline, possibly due to natural disasters and Mycenaean invasions, did not diminish their lasting influence on subsequent cultures in the Aegean region.