The Minoan civilization is particularly notable for its large and elaborate palaces up to four stories high , featuring elaborate plumbing systems and decorated with frescoes . The most notable Minoan palace is that of Knossos , followed by that of Phaistos . The Minoan period saw extensive trade between Crete , Aegean , and Mediterranean settlements , particularly the Near East . Through their traders and artists , the Minoans ' cultural influence reached beyond Crete to the Cyclades , the Old Kingdom of Egypt , copper-bearing Cyprus , Canaan and the Levantine coast and Anatolia . Some of the best Minoan art is preserved in the city of Akrotiri on the island of Santorini , which was destroyed by the Minoan eruption
Minoan eruption
Minoan eruption
Minoan civilization