Want to understand the history of European culture? Start with the Minoans, not the Ancient Greeks

Want to understand the history of European culture? Start with the Minoans, not the Ancient Greeks

Ruins of the ancient Minoan settlement in Gournia, Crete. Georgios Tsichlis/ShutterstockThe Minoan culture was the first highly complex society on modern European soil, with palaces, writing, stunning art – and even flushing toilets. The Minoans lived in the bronze age (circa 3000-1200BC) on the Mediterranean island of Crete, which served as a stepping stone between Europe, Africa and Asia. My new book, The Minoans, presents key features of thei…