What were two distinct cultures developed in early Greece?

* Developed on the Greek mainland from around 1600 to 1100 BC

* Named after the city of Mycenae, which was the most powerful Mycenaean city-state

* Mycenaeans were skilled warriors and built impressive fortifications around their cities

* Mycenaean society was hierarchical, with a king at the top and a warrior class below him

* Mycenaeans were skilled craftsmen and produced beautiful jewelry, pottery, and other artifacts

* Mycenaean culture was eventually destroyed by the Dorian invasion around 1100 BC

Minoan culture

* Developed on the island of Crete from around 2700 to 1450 BC

* Named after the legendary King Minos, who was said to have ruled Crete

* Minoans were a peaceful and prosperous people who built large palaces and cities without fortifications

* Minoan society was more egalitarian than Mycenaean society, with women playing a more prominent role

* Minoans were skilled artists and produced beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and pottery

* Minoan culture was eventually destroyed by a volcanic eruption on the island of Thera (modern Santorini) around 1450 BC