In Search of the Minoans

Rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century through the work of British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, the Minoan Civilization, whose earliest beginnings were from c. 3500 BC on the island of Crete, became one of the most developed, complex urban civilizations in antiquity. Yet we still know so little about them. The Minoans may have left behind a number of impressive building complexes, sophisticated art, and writing systems, however archaeologists and scholars are yet to decipher Linear A and B, the only-known scripts used for writing the Minoan language. It is this mystery that makes the Minoans such a fascinating ancient civilization to study and explore, but which limits the extent to which we can understand Minoan culture and history. This documentary, featuring Dr Andrew Shapland, Prof Nicoletta Momigliano and Dr Ester Salgarella, explores what little we do know about the Minoans, as well as the challenges facing scholars looking study this mysterious, ancient civilization.