Minoan Civilization

• 2700 BC
  One of the earliest known civilizations in the Aegean world, the Minoan civilization, rise on the island of Crete beginning the period of flourishing
• 2000 BC
  The first palace of Phaistos is built in south central Crete by Minoan civilization
• 1900 BC
  The potter's wheel is introduced in Minoan civilization, making designs of ceramic more free and graceful
• 1900 BC
  The first palace in the ancient city of Knossos, which considered as Europe's oldest city, is built by Minoan civilization on Crete
• 1700 BC
  Naturalistic forms such as fish, squid, birds, and lilies in Minoan pottery decoration becomes common
• 1627 BC
  An eruption of the volcano Thera in the Aegean Sea devastates the island of Thera including the Minoan settlement at Akrotiri and generates 150 m high tsunami that devastates the Minoan coastal settlements on the island of Crete
• 1600 BC
  Bull-Leaping Fresco, a stucco panel on east wall of the palace at Knossos in Crete, a striking example of Minoan Civilization art, is created
• 1600 BC
  The Phaistos Disc, a disk of terracotta 16 cm in diameter covered on both sides with a spiral of stamped symbols, is made for the Minoan palace of Phaistos on the Greek island of Crete
• 1550 BC
  Rise of Mycenaean Civilization in mainland Greece begins under influences from Minoan Crete
• 1450 BC
  Mycenaean Greeks conquer and replace Minoan Civilization on Crete
• 1899
  Sir Arthur Evans discovers the center of Minoan civilization on the island of Crete
• March 16, 1900
  English archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans finds old city of Knossus