Climate change, particularly strong and frequent El Nio events, may have contributed to the slow demise of Minoan civilization.

Climate change and the demise of Minoan civilization

The tsunami likely didn't kill the Minoans on its own, as it likely triggered a series of events that led to the collapse of the Stronghyle volcano in 1600 B.C.

Modeling a 3600-Year-Old Tsunami Sheds Light on the Minoan Past

The Thera eruption and Late Minoan-IB destructions on Crete are not linked, as fieldwork on Santorini shows no evidence of two volcanic outbursts or a 'two-phase' eruption.

The Thera eruption and Late Minoan-IB destructions on Crete

The great Minoan eruption of Thera volcano and ensuing tsunami in the Greek Archipelago led to the decline of the Minoan empire, wiped out the peace-loving Minoan civilization, and altered the area's configuration.

The great Minoan eruption of Thera volcano and the ensuing tsunami in the Greek Archipelago

Volcanic destruction of Minoan Crete is the most likely explanation for the destruction of the first and second palaces, as it explains the continuity of Minoan civilization and the absence of foreign invaders.

The Volcanic Destruction of Minoan Crete

Social dynamics, rather than environmental factors, is the main driver behind the decline and collapse of civilizations, with environmental factors playing a secondary role.

Environmental Determinism vs. Social Dynamics: Prehistorical and Historical Examples

The destruction of Akrotiri by volcanic eruption may have led to increased transport costs and economic collapse in Late Minoan Crete, as fewer routes and reduced transport options led to economic decline.

The Theran eruption and Minoan palatial collapse: new interpretations gained from modelling the maritime network

Minoan settlements in Crete were likely destroyed by multiple large earthquakes caused by ruptures along distinct fault segments, rather than a single catastrophic event.

Faulting and effects of earthquakes on Minoan archaeological sites in Crete (Greece)

Seismic shaking is likely responsible for potential earthquake archaeological effects in Late Minoan IIIB Crete, but the hypothesis of a seismic storm causing the demise of Minoan Crete is not supported by our analysis of archaeological evidence.

Tracking earthquake archaeological evidence in Late Minoan IIIB (~ 1300–1200 B.C.) Crete (Greece): a proof of concept

Minoan archaeological data has limited seismological value, and reevaluating its role in seismotectonic studies is crucial for understanding the disruptive effects of earthquakes on Minoan society.

All that rubble leads to trouble: reassessing the seismological value of archaeological destruction layers in Minoan Crete and beyond

Volcanic tephra from the "Minoan" eruption may have covered Crete in prehistoric times, but its exact location and timing remain uncertain.

Volcanic Tephra on Crete

The Late Minoan IA state system in Crete was a centralized power, which collapsed during the LM IB period, with the Santorini eruption being the key factor in speeding up the decline.

"If it was a state, it has collapsed" : an examinations of reasons for the collapse of the Late Minoan IA state structures

Archaeomagnetic dating reveals that the destruction levels of late Minoan civilization on Crete were likely caused by seismic activity, rather than ash fall, leading to a reappraisal of archaeological evidence.

Archaeomagnetic dating of Santorini volcanic eruptions and fired destruction levels of late Minoan civilization

The Minoan tsunami hazards caused by caldera collapse on Minoan Thera damaged the maritime economy in coastal areas of Aegean islands and Turkey within 2.5 hours of eruption.

Tsunami Hazards Associated With Explosion-Collapse Processes of a Dome Complex on Minoan Thera

Earthquakes in Minoan Crete may have shifted political power in the Messarh plain, confirming Knossian leadership during the second palace era.

A hypothesis on earthquakes and political power in Minoan Crete

Minoans and Mycenaeans shared genetic similarities, with most of their ancestry coming from Neolithic farmers in western Anatolia and the Aegean, but Mycenaeans had additional ancestry from hunter-gatherers in eastern Europe and Siberia.

Genetic origins of the Minoans and Mycenaeans

Arthur Evans' framework for Minoan civilization was shaped by his Eurocentric agenda, based on preconceptions and selective borrowing from current theories, rather than objective data.

Building the Labyrinth: Arthur Evans and the Construction of Minoan Civilization

The Minoan chronology proposed by Sir Arthur Evans has been challenged by excavations at Tylisos and other sites, but remains valid for Knosos and other sites on Crete.

Minoan Chronology Reviewed

The theory that Minoan religion was dominated by a great goddess is questionable, and alternative approaches are suggested.

COMMENTS ON A POPULAR MODEL OF MINOAN RELIGION

Minoan scripts are six distinct writing systems with variations, and understanding their differences is crucial for understanding their meaning and implications for future research.

The Minoan Scripts: Fact and Theory

Some studies suggest that climate change, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis contributed to the collapse of the Minoans, while other studies emphasize social dynamics and economic factors as primary drivers.