Minoans and Mycenaeans Can I explain how the civilization of the Minoans developed and how the Mycenaeans gained power in the Mediterranean? An Island Civilization ? Greek myths describe an early civilization that developed on the island of Crete. ? Around 1900 A.D., a British archeologist named Arthur Evan discovered a site on Crete called Knossos (NAH suhs). ? He unearthed an amazing palace of a legendary king named Minos (MY nuhs). Minoan Palace ? Evan concluded that Minos and his family had lived in the palace. ? The ancient people called Minoans had built the palace. ? The palace ? had numerous rooms that were connected by twisting passageways: ? some rooms were used to store oil, wine, and grain ? other rooms were used as