Monday's Lesson Plan
The Minoans lived on the island of Crete in the Aegean Sea around 3000 BCE. The Minoans were a powerful economically self-sufficient nation. The Minoans became a wealthy sea power trading with other civilizations in Greece, Egypt, and the Near East. The Minoans are said to be the first European Civilization.

Tuesday's Lesson Plan
The Minoans had an enormous fleet of ships. They were a mercantile society active in overseas trade. Evidence found shows the Minoans were trading with Egypt, mainland Greece, Cyprus, Syria, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Spain. The island of Crete has natural harbors which the Minoans profited from. The vast majority of Minoan writings that have been translated are accounts and records.

Wednesday's Lesson Plan
The Minoans were extensive traders. They had an extensive fleet of ships. These ships were fortified to protect them from pirates. The Minoans were very successful traders.

Thursday's Lesson Plan
The Minoans built huge palaces. The Minoan palace served many purposes. It was not just a home for the wealthy to live. Harvested food was stored at the palaces in huge store rooms. The palace contained workshops designed for different tasks, shrines, and administrative offices. The palace served many purposes. A distinguishing characteristic of Minoan palatial architecture is the Minoan column that was tapered to be smaller at the bottom than at the top.

Friday's Lesson Plan
The Minoans were eventually taken over by another society. Scientists are unsure of the exact reason for the demise of the Minoans. Some think the Mycenaean's simply overtook the island. After all the Minoans had very few structures to defend their territory. Other scientists think the nearby volcano Thera erupted causing damage to Crete that the Minoans were unable to recover from.

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