Minoan

[ mi-noh-uhn, mahy- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the ancient civilization of the island of Crete, dating from about 3000 to 1100 b.c.

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of ancient Crete.

Minoan

/ mɪˈnəʊən /

adjective

1. See Mycenaean
   denoting the Bronze Age culture of Crete from about 3000 bc to about 1100 bc Compare Mycenaean
2. See Linear B, Linear A
   of or relating to the linear writing systems used in Crete and later in mainland Greece See Linear A Linear B

noun

1. a Cretan belonging to the Minoan culture

Word History and Origins

Origin of Minoan¹

First recorded in 1890–95; Mino(s) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of Minoan¹

C19: named after Minos , from the excavations at his supposed palace at Knossos

Example Sentences

One interesting case study is Sir Arthur Evans, the original excavator and “restorer” of the Minoan palace of Knossos on Crete.

From The Daily Beast

The cavity proved to be a great reservoir approached by a rock-cut staircase and of Early Minoan date.

From Project Gutenberg

During the progress of the “Late-Minoan” period the subjects tended to assume a more formal and heraldic character.

From Project Gutenberg

Evidence however is now accumulating to the effect that cremation was practised in Crete in Early Minoan times.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole plan bears more than a superficial resemblance to those of Cretan palaces in the later Minoan period.

From Project Gutenberg

The latest discoveries in Minoan graves in Crete exhibit tools of bronze.

From Project Gutenberg