Notes[1] During what is sometimes called the Protopalatial Period on Crete c.2000-1700BC, the Minoan Civilisation was at its height. In approximately 1700BC an earthquake destroyed all the magnificent palaces on the island, but most of them were rebuilt and Minoan life continued strong and vigorous. There was another period of widespread destruction c.1450BC, possibly coinciding with a gigantic volcanic eruption on the island of Thera (Santorini) 90 kilometres north of Knossos. After this, most of the Minoan sites were abandoned and the Achaeans conquered and dominated a weakened land. However, isolated pockets of Minoan civilisation continued for some time in the mountains and the plateaux of the interior. In the limestone mountains surrounding the plateaux there are many and extensive c
