Which best describes the main source of success for the Minoan civilization?
a. ambitious exploration of land and sea across continents
b. flourishing industry and art within minoan borders
c. aggressive invasions and conquests of neighboring territories
d. abundant resources and trade with distant lands
i think d
d is correct @Person._.
What are your choices? Cannot copy and paste on these posts.
The main source of success for the Minoan civilization was its strategic location and its trade networks with other Mediterranean cultures. To understand this, we can look at the geography of ancient Crete, where the Minoan civilization thrived.
To start, the island of Crete offered several advantages. Its central location in the eastern Mediterranean allowed the Minoans to establish extensive trade routes connecting them with other civilizations, such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Greek mainland. This proximity to major trade hubs facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural influences.
Moreover, Crete's fertile soil and favorable climate enabled the growth of agriculture, ensuring a stable food supply for its population. This agricultural surplus allowed the Minoans to support a large population and develop specialized occupations beyond farming, such as craftsmen and traders.
The Minoans capitalized on these advantages to establish a prosperous trading empire. They became skilled sailors, using their innovative ships to navigate the Mediterranean and engage in long-distance trade. They traded a variety of commodities, including timber, minerals, agricultural products, and their famous luxury goods like pottery, metalwork, and textiles.
Aside from trade, the Minoans also excelled in art, architecture, and technology. Their advanced architectural designs, such as the palace complexes of Knossos and Phaistos, showcased their sophisticated engineering skills. They also developed a unique art style, characterized by vibrant frescoes and intricate pottery.
In conclusion, the Minoan civilization's success can be attributed to its strategic location, which facilitated extensive trade networks, and its ability to harness the resources of their homeland, Crete. By effectively utilizing these advantages, they were able to create a thriving civilization with a rich cultural and economic exchange with other Mediterranean societies.
From Internet:
The Minoans owed their prosperity and sophistication to their success as a great maritime civilization, delpendent on the sea for trade and food. They were a trading culture. The sea was critical to their prosperity and survival.