History: Prosperous Civilizations 1

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

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 ______________ .