Ancient Crete

The term Ancient Crete refers to the civilization that existed on the island of Crete, just south of Greece, in the Mediterranean Sea. From around 3000–1100 B.C., inhabitants known as Minoans controlled the island of Crete and ruled the island autonomously. Despite the fact the Minoans were able to rise to a position of political and economic dominance during this time, their civilization and subsequent control over Crete was destroyed by a large volcanic eruption 300 km away, layering it in hot volcanic ash. It is from this period onward that Crete began to fall under the control of the near-by Greek city-states and eventually the Roman Empire.

Read more about Ancient Crete:  Geography, Society, Religion

Famous quotes containing the word ancient:

    Silent rushes the swift Lord
    Through ruined systems still restored,
    Broadsowing, bleak and void to bless,
    Plants with worlds the wilderness;
    Waters with tears of ancient sorrow
    Apples of Eden ripe to-morrow.
    House and tenant go to ground,
    Lost in God, in Godhead found.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)