The Minoans

Oxford First Ancient History

On the island of Crete, which lies in the Mediterranean sea there lives a long lost kingdom, the kingdom of Minos. Knossos, Crete’s palace, was built by Minos. Minos was said to own a terrifying bull-man. Every year he would send his ships to Greece. When the captains arrived at Greece, they would demand 7 young girls and 7 young men to enter Minos' labyrinth. When the Grecians found the middle of the maze, the bull-man would be there, waiting to devour the poor victims.We do not know if this really ever happened, but we do know, that there was a king Minos, and there was a great, twisting winding, huge palace, Knossos. Remains have been dug up, they show that Crete really was an amazing place. Houses, built from stone and brick dotted the busy roads. Beautiful pottery has been found that has pictures of dolphins, fish, and octopus on it. The great palace Knossos has even been rebuilt! This palace is a true amazement! With about one thousand rooms, Knossos itself is a maze! Bathrooms, throne rooms, bedrooms, dressing rooms, and many others made up Minos’ breath-taking palace! But enough about the place, let us talk of the people, the Minoans were a very happy busy people, who loved to bull wrestle, dance, sing, etc. the men wore kilts, fastened with a rope at the waist, and the girls wore frontless shirts with long skirts. They had varying occupations, from weavers and merchants, to fishers and farmers, each Minoan was kept busy. Crete must have been a very interesting place, and I am very exited to learn more about it!