The Minoan Crete Civilization (3000BCE - 1100BCE) was an egalitarian civilization that flourished on Crete and surrounding Aegean islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It had around 90 different cities and a population reaching into the millions until it was destroyed by a massive volcanic eruption.[1]
Decision-Making
Crete had a written language, but the decoded documents in that language do not mention laws, rulers, or other elements of statecraft. In almost all states, one of the primary functions of written language was to document laws and to chronicle the lives and careers of elites. By contrast, the writings from Crete seem to focus mostly on trade and a little on religion.[2] The abundance of communal buildings, similar sized houses and absence of evidence for centralized power suggest a possible use of assemblies for decision-making.
Foreign Policy
Although some Minoan cities had defensive walls built around them, there is no evidence that Minoan Civilization engaged in war with other societies. There is limited evidence of fighting occurring between citizens, but this was likely for sports and festivals.[3]
Economy
The Minoan economy was grounded heavily in trade, although there may have been some degree of common ownership and use, suggesting mutualist practices.[2]
Culture
Deities depicted in Minoan art are almost exclusively female, gender non-conforming or transgender figures. Suggest a society that was aware of the existence of queer people and practiced gender equality.[2]