Minoan Civilization Peaks

Between 1700-1500 BCE, Minoan Crete was the Mediterranean's main character. They had a massive trade network, stunning frescoes of dolphins and bull-leapers, a writing system (Linear A, still undeciphered — the original encrypted DMs), and cities with no defensive walls because their navy was that dominant. They were basically the cool rich kids of the ancient world until the Thera eruption humbled them real quick.