The Minoans were situated on the Isle of Crete off the coast of modern-day Greece. Minoan civilization fell around 1200. It was an ancient civilization, roughly contemporaneous with the ancient river valley civilizations. They had a very different type of civilization from the river valleys more egalitarian, with a better common standard of living. Literacy seems to have been universal.
Women seem to have participated in all activities unusual for ancient society.
Serious monumental architecture massive palaces, whose ruins still exist. Palace at Knossos covered in frescos. Made of brick and limestone, several stories tall, with running water and a sanitation system. Peaceful island kingdom not fortified. May have been protected by a navy.