When was minoan civilization discovered

The findings indicate that these people probably were descendents of the first humans to reach Crete about 9, years ago, and that they have the greatest genetic similarity with modern European populations. Read the scientific paper. He believes that the data highlight the importance of DNA analysis as a tool for understanding human history. At the same time, the first Neolithic inhabitants reached Crete.

Our study underscores the importance of DNA not only in helping us to have healthier futures, but also to understand our past. The Minoan samples revealed 21 distinct mitochondrial DNA variations, of which six were unique to the Minoans and 15 were shared with modern and ancient populations. Further analysis showed that the Minoans were only distantly related to Egyptian, Libyan, and other North African populations. The Minoan shared the greatest percentage of their mitochondrial DNA variation with European populations, especially those in Northern and Western Europe.

The analysis also showed a high degree of sharing with the current population of the Lassithi plateau and Greece. C to B. It was first discovered by Sir Arthur Evans in during an excavation of Knossos, an ancient Minoan palace. His findings within the palace led him to believe that there was a possible ancient civilization on Crete which was the home to the legendary King Minos, hence why he named the Civilization Minoan.

C B. Most of the artifacts found upon excavation originated during the Propatial Period B. C and Neopalitial Period B. It was also during these periods that the Minoans built their four principal palaces: Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Zakros.

The grandeur of these palaces reflected how sophisticated and advanced the Minoan Civilization was. Through archeological finds, it was concluded that these palaces served as central structures of trade, politics, and religion. Within these palaces archeologist found remains to suggest that materials such as wines, oil, grain, and ceramics were stored there.

Archeologists also found swords, arrow heads, armors and helmets as well as fortified towns and settlements. These all suggest that the Minoan Civilization was so massive they needed central structures for food storages as well as means to defend themselves against neighboring attacks. Another major find was the discovery of one of the first examples of writing in the Aeagan world, Linear A. Within the palace complexes… sophisticated plumbing, wonderful frescoes, plaster reliefs and open courtyards.

People had leisure time and devoted a good portion of it to sports, religion and the arts. While we can only guess at their religious beliefs, the remains of their artwork suggest a polytheistic framework featuring various goddesses, including a mother deity.

The priesthood was also completely female, although the King may have had some religious functions as well. In fact the role of women- as religious leaders, entrepreneurs, traders, craftspeople and athletes far exceeded that of most other societies, including the Greeks. Their system of government was that of a monarchy supported by a well-organized bureaucracy.

According to myth, a King Minos, living in a palace with more than a thousand rooms, once ruled the island of Crete. In such a palace was discovered, excavated and partially restored by British archaeologist Arthur Evans. Around BC the Minoan civilization, which appears to have been peaceful and prosperous, came to an abrupt and probably violent end. There is evidence of wholesale destruction by fire and there has long been speculation that a volcanic explosion at Thera followed possibly by a tsunami ended this great civilization of the Aegean world.