The Minoans were a civilization that were centered on the long thin island of Crete in the Mediterranean sea. This island is situated about 50 miles south of the Greek mainland.
They were settled there from about 3000 to 1400 BC and were a seafaring race as they lived on an island and they traded between countries in mainland Europe and Asia and even Egypt. Their capital city was Knossos.
The Minoans believed that the island had once been terrorised by a beast which was believed to be half man, half bull – the top half being the bull.
They named this beast a Minotaur and it devoured seven maidens from the ruling class every year.