History of Crete

Geography and Location

Crete is the main Greek island and also one of the southernmost of Greece. It represents one of the symbolic boundaries between the West and the East. Located equidistant from continental Europe, Asia Minor, and Africa, it occupies a unique geographical position.

Prehistory

The prehistory of Crete dates back to the earliest human presence on the island. The footprints of an early hominid, discovered in Trachilos, date back approximately 5.7 million years ago. These footprints are significant because they belong to a more primitive hominid than those found in Tanzania's Laetoli, but unlike Ardipithecus, they have a thumb pressed, similar to humans. The age of the tracks has been updated to 6.05 million years ago.

The presence of Acheulean tools on the island suggests that Neanderthals inhabited Crete more than 130 thousand years ago. Excavations in the south of Crete (Etokremnos) have uncovered a settlement dating between 11,000 and 13,000 years old. The first settlements on the island were established around 7,000 BC, with inhabitants engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding. These early settlers lived in stone houses and caves.

Minoan Culture

The Minoan culture is a significant part of Crete's prehistory. It dates back to the Bronze Age (approximately 3000 BC – 1050 BC) and was named "minoic" by British archaeologist Arthur Evans, who discovered the city of Knossos in Crete. The Minoan civilization was a major cultural and economic power in the region during this period.

Historical Epoch

The historical epoch of Crete begins with the decline of the Minoan culture around 1050 BC. This marked the beginning of the Greek Dark Ages, which lasted until the rise of the Doric city-states in the 8th century BC. The island was later influenced by various civilizations, including the Romans and the Byzantines.

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