Minos

/ˈmaɪnɔːs/ noun

Definition

The legendary king of Crete in Greek mythology; often refers to the Minoan civilization or its influence.

Etymology

From Greek 'Minōs'. The name comes from Greek mythology but is also used as a term for the Bronze Age Minoan civilization of Crete. The Minoans were named by modern archaeologists after the mythological king.

Kelly Says

Minos is one of archaeology's neat tricks—we named an entire lost civilization after a mythological king, then found out the real Cretans probably didn't call themselves that.

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