History: Prosperous Civilizations 1

– The ancient Minoan Civilization –

“The ancient Minoan civilization, flourishing from approximately 3000 to 1100 BCE, remains an enigma that has fascinated historians and archaeologists alike. Hailing from the island of Crete in the Aegean Sea, the Minoans exemplified cultural sophistication and economic prowess. They constructed intricate palaces, such as the renowned Knossos, which featured elaborate frescoes, plumbing systems, and labyrinthine designs. Moreover, the Minoans were prodigious traders. Their maritime aptitude enabled them to establish trade networks encompassing Egypt, the Near East, and other Mediterranean regions. Archaeological excavations have unearthed Minoan artifacts, comprising pottery, jewelry, and inscribed clay tablets, far from their homeland. Another intriguing aspect of the Minoan culture was their written language, known as Linear A, which remains undeciphered. Linear A was employed for administrative and religious inscriptions, yet its mysterious script continues to elude linguists. The Minoan civilization’s untimely demise is generally attributed to natural calamities, particularly a colossal volcanic eruption on the nearby island of Thera, now Santorini. This catastrophic event, coupled with subsequent invasions, culminated in the Minoans’ downfall, leaving behind an illustrious yet enigmatic legacy.”

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.

The Minoan civilization thrived from roughly 3000 to 1100 BCE and was known for its cultural _________ and economic strength.
Based on an island in the Aegean Sea, the Minoans built complex _________ with detailed frescoes and advanced plumbing systems
The Minoans were adept at sea travel, which allowed them to form _________ networks with Egypt, the Near East, and other regions around the Mediterranean.
_________ explorations have discovered Minoan items such as pottery, jewelry, and clay tablets in places far from Crete
The Minoan language, known as Linear A, was used for official and sacred inscriptions, but its _________ remains a mystery
The downfall of the Minoan civilization is often attributed to natural _________, including a massive volcanic eruption and subsequent invasions

Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.

The Minoans, an ancient civilization existing from around 3000 to 1100 BCE, were celebrated for their cultural ______________ and economic acumen. Hailing from Crete, they were adept in constructing ______________ , like the famous Knossos, with its extensive frescoes, advanced water systems, and maze-like structures. Additionally, their maritime skills facilitated the establishment of trade ______________ with regions like Egypt, the Near East, and other Mediterranean areas. Their unique written ______________ , referred to as Linear A, used for bureaucratic and sacred texts, remains uncracked. The civilization met its ______________ due to a combination of natural disasters, primarily an enormous volcanic eruption on the adjacent island of Thera, and ensuing invasions, leaving behind a rich yet mystifying ______________ .

Vocabulary Builder

Find the synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning) to these 9 words from the original passage.

Original Word	Variants Used
civilization	_______________________
palaces	_______________________
sophistication	_______________________
trade networks	_______________________
language	_______________________ / ______________________
economic	_______________________ / ______________________
archaeological	_______________________
frescoes	_______________________
demise	_______________________

Reveal answer (12 More Words)

Original Word	Variants Used
civilization	culture
palaces	complex
sophistication	cultural sophistication
trade networks	trade routes
language	script, written language
economic	economic acumen, economic prowess
archaeological	excavations
frescoes	extensive frescoes
demise	downfall