Part 4/18:
The Minoan civilization emerged around 2700 BCE on the island of Crete, leaving behind a legacy of advanced urban planning, artistry, and seafaring skills. Known for their magnificent palaces—especially the Palace of Knossos—the Minoans developed a rich culture that engaged in extensive trade throughout the Mediterranean. Their unique writing system, Linear A, remains undeciphered, adding a layer of mystery to their contributions and abrupt decline around 1450 BCE, which may have been influenced by natural disasters and invasions.