Minoan maiden with prayer beads Fresco Pottery and wall art from the ancient Minoans: From around 2700 to 1450 BC, the Minoan civilization flourished as a seafaring and mercantile culture. The vibrant Minos culture was centred around the island of Crete and eventually dominated the Agean region. Along with its exceptionally advantageous position at the intersection of sea routes leading to the countries of the Middle East, its trading contributed to the high flowering of the culture and art of Crete. The Egyptians called the Minoans 'the Sea Peoples' and had a fond appreciation for Minoan pottery