Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: Minoans portrayed saffron in their palace frescoes by 1500 â `` 1600 BC , showing saffron 's use as a therapeutic drug .
Simplified: The Minoans had pictures of saffron in their palaces as long ago as 1500 â `` 1600 BC , showing how it could be used as a medicine .