The Minoan civilization was a Bronze Age civilization that arose on the island of Crete and flourished from approximately the 27th century BCE to the 15th century BCE. It was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century through the work of British archaeologist Arthur Evans. Will Durant referred to it as "the first link in the European chain."

The early inhabitants of Crete settled as early as 128,000 BCE, during the Middle Paleolithic age. It was not until 5000 BCE that the first signs of advanced agriculture appeared, marking the beginning of civilization. The Minoan culture was established by the 27th century BCE.