Summary: In this episode, we discuss the myths and archaeological evidence for the Minoans on the island of Crete, who were an early source of cultural inspiration for the Mycenaean Greeks; the volcanic eruption that blew apart the island of Thera in the mid-17th century BC and was a catalyst for the decline of the Minoan civilization; and the ultimate subordination of the Minoans by the Mycenaean Greeks in the 15th and 14th centuries BC. ca. 2000-1700 BC - Proto-Palatial or "Old Palace" Period ca. 1900 BC - Cretan Hieroglyphics developed ca. 1800 BC - Linear A developed ca. 1700 BC - great earthquake destroyed the palaces at Knossos, Phaistos, Mallia, and Zakros ca. 1700-1600 BC - Neo-Palatial or "New Palace" Period ca. 1650 BC - volcanic eruption on island of Thera ca. 1450 BC - Phaistos, Mallia, and Zakros were sacked and burned by the Mycenaean Greeks ca. 1450 BC - Linear B developed ca. 1350 BC - Knossos was sacked and burned by the Mycenaean Greeks, marking the end of the Minoans
