Egyptian and Minoan Interaction
MINOAN CIVILIZATION
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Minoan civilization began around 2500 BC on the island of Crete. Crete lies in the Mediterranean Sea, between Greece and Egypt. The Minoans, were a sea faring, trade-oriented people, who left behind many architectural records but few written records. Much of what is known about the Minoans is merely speculation for the Minoans left few written documents.
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Minoan and Egyptian Relations
The few written records left by the Minoans, are written in a script known as Linear A, which has yet to be fully deciphered, but it is believed that most of the written documents left behind concern trade. Exactly why Minoan civilization ended is not known, but it is estimated to have ended for two reasons. First, around 1500 BC, there was a volcanic eruption, which destroyed most of Minoan cities. Those Minoans that survived were severely weakened by this environmental disaster. The second theory for the downfall of Minoan civilization is the Minoans were to weak to effectively fight off an invasion and were taken over by the Mycenaean's sometime around 1400 BC.
Many archeologists believe that the people of Crete were of North African origin, possibly from the Nile Valley. People from North Africa immigrated by boat to the island of Crete when the grasslands began drying up and became desert. Arthur Evans, who is the first archaeologist to write on the Minoans believed that Linear A, the Minoan form of writing is similar to Egyptian hieroglyphics?
Evidence from murals in various palaces indicates that the costumes the Minoans wore were similar to that of Egyptian wardrobes. There is indication from Egyptian murals that there was some trade between the Minoans and the Egyptians, and the Minoans might have paid tribute to the Egyptians.
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