The island of Crete is located in the centre of the eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe. The inhabitants of ancient Crete were known as Minoans after their fabled ruler, King Minos. They developed a civilization that was one of the first in Europe. This civilization flourished between the 17th and 13th century BC, and boasted of huge palace cities. The Minoans were a peaceful people, who engaged in trading and farming. They exerted considerable influence on their Greek neighbours until about 1450 BC.
As the Minoan civilization disappeared, due to natural disasters or losses in war, a new tribe, the Mycenaeans, came to power on the Greek mainland. They believed themselves to be great warriors. They built their palaces on hilltops. The Mycenaeans were influenced by the Minoans, and their civilization flourished until around 1200 BC., when they were invaded by the Dorians.
