Minoan

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. Referring to an ancient civilization that thrived on the island of Crete, characterized by advanced art and architecture
2. Describing cultural elements, artifacts, or architecture related to the Minoans, known for their palatial complexes
3. Pertaining to the historical period marked by the Minoan society, noted for its sophisticated urban centers and trade networks

Etymology: Sir Arthur Evans, the British archaeologist excavating Knossos in the early 1900s, needed a name for the civilization he was uncovering, and nobody knew what its people called themselves. He reached back to Minos, the legendary king of Crete from Greek myth, and gave the culture his name. The label stuck, even though the Minoans' real name for themselves has been lost. Scholars have some clues about what that name might have been. Egyptian records mention a people called "kftjw", which may be pronounced something like "Káftayu", and the Hebrew Bible refers to a place called "Kaftor" (Caphthor). Many researchers link these terms to Crete, though the connection is not certain.

Synonyms: ancient, cretan, bronze age, prehistoric

Antonyms: modern, contemporary