| The Minoan civilization, named for King Minos of | | | | the two cultures were struggling for control of |
| Crete, extended from the Bronze Age 3000 BCE | | | | the Mediterranean. The Mycenaeans were from |
| through 1000 BCE. During this extended time | | | | the mainland of Greece. In addition, the |
| period, often broken down into three specific | | | | Mycenaeans honed the skills they adopted from |
| eras, the Minoan culture advanced from a the | | | | the Minoan culture, and become known for their |
| Stone Age by importing and using metals such as | | | | intricate work with inlays of ivory and gold. Their |
| bronze. In addition, they formed hieroglyphic | | | | ships traveled throughout the Aegean Sea, with |
| writing, built palaces in Knossos, carved ivory, and | | | | much of the travel to Asia Minor. |
| worked with metals. | | | | While the Mycenaeans drew on much of the |
| It was during this second, or middle period, that | | | | culture of the Minoans, there were differences, |
| the Minoan culture extended their naval power | | | | most notably in the ways they build their cities. |
| across the Mediterranean. In the late period, an | | | | Mycenaean heavily fortified their cities, while |
| earthquake destroyed Knossos and evidence of | | | | Minoan cities had no fortification. Mycenaean |
| an invasion, possibly from the mainland | | | | palaces were built around great halls; Minoan |
| Mycenaeans, is suggested by the creation of a | | | | palaces were built around open spaces: |
| new script. | | | | Mycenaean men wore beards and armor into |
| There was a period where the Mycenaean and | | | | battle while Minoan men did not. The Minoans |
| Minoan cultures co-existed on Crete, between | | | | influenced the Mycenaeans, but they both have a |
| 1600 and 1400 BCE, at which time it is thought | | | | strong and distinct culture. |