The Minoans: Europe’s First Civilization.
Discover the extraordinary story of the Minoan civilization — the first advanced society on European soil. Long before the rise of Classical Greece or the Roman Empire, the Minoans flourished on the island of Crete, mastering the seas, building sprawling palace complexes, and developing a rich artistic and religious culture that left a lasting legacy across the ancient Mediterranean.
In this in-depth podcast, we explore the full arc of Minoan history — from their mysterious origins and seafaring dominance to their unmatched art, writing systems like Linear A, and the stunning architecture of Knossos, Phaistos, Zakros, and Malia.
We delve into their advanced technologies, matriarchal religious beliefs, and their fateful encounter with one of the most powerful natural disasters in human history: the Thera (Santorini) volcanic eruption.But who were the Minoans, really?
Were they ruled by kings like the legendary King Minos, or were they governed by priestesses and queens? Why did their civilization collapse? And how did the Mycenaeans, the first Greeks, come to dominate Crete and absorb its culture?
🔎 What you'll learn in this podcast:
- The strategic geography of Crete and its role in ancient trade- The four periods of Minoan history: Prepalatial, Protopalatial, Neopalatial, Postpalatial
- The significance of Minoan palaces as religious, political, and economic hubs
- Trade networks with Egypt, Anatolia, the Levant, and Cyclades
- Minoan art and fresco painting, bull-leaping rituals, and goddess worship
- The mystery of the Phaistos Disk and the undeciphered Linear A script
- The Thera eruption and its devastating aftermath
- The rise of the Mycenaeans and the fall of Minoan dominance
This podcast is based on the latest archaeological findings, historical sources, and expert interpretations. It is part of our ancient history series designed for history lovers, students, educators, and anyone fascinated by early civilizations.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/UyprR6retVs
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🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas