The Minoans built a thriving civilization on the Island of Crete. They lasted for over 1500 years, from 2600 to about 1100 BC.
But they disappeared. Scholars are not certain why. A popular theory is that a volcano erupted, perhaps in nearby Santorini. The destruction it caused did not wipe out, but rather severely crippled the civilization economically. The Minoans became vulnerable to invasion, which, as the theory goes, is what did them in. Although the Minoans' writings remain, and would solve many mysteries about their great history, we have no key to decipher their language. It is lost to our understanding today.
In the Heraklion Archeological Museum, an intact hieroglyphic disc is on display, suggesting that interpretation of the written language is possible, but has not yet been done.
