The "Minoans" were a civilization of people emerging (ca.) 1700 BC on the island of Crete in the Mediterranean. They were contemporaries of the early Greeks, and they were known for their palaces, their culture, their commerce, trade, and their elaborate and sometimes hypnotic artwork. Their paintings and pottery depicted animals, gardens, fish and birds, and reflected a sense of freedom and delight that was common to this culture. Trade-oriented, the Minoans were familiar with the Egyptians and the early Greeks; they engaged the peoples in Cyprus, Syria, Mesopotamia, and even moved into the remote regions of Spain.
What is interesting is the quick disappearance of these people -- certainly the raiding, warring Myceneans overtook them -- but there is another factor in this History.
In 1627 BC (ca.) there was a massive volcanic eruption on the island of Thera.
This was indeed one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the Earth's history... it destroyed the island of Thera and much of the coastline of Crete, itself. It is estimated that a 200 foot tsunami hit, with full-force, the island of Crete, and continued violent magma-steam eruptions would destory the people and their settlements. In fact, the amount of ash spewed into the air would darken the skies in Egypt and China. There are records of famine in Egypt and yellow fog and frost in the regions of Asia. Starving, displaced, and devastated, the Minoans quickly faded.
What is left to us are the legendary palaces, now mesmerizing ruins, and a sense of this "Lost Eden" (Thucydides - 460-395BC).