The Minoan civilization was an ancient Aegean Bronze Age civilization that flourished from around 2600 to 1100 BC on the island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. It was the first advanced civilization in Europe and is credited with the development of the first writing system in Europe, the Linear A script
From Wikipedia
The Minoan civilization was a Bronze Age culture which was centered on the island of Crete. Known for its monumental architecture and energetic art, it is often regarded as the first civilization in Europe. The ruins of the Minoan palaces at Knossos and Phaistos are popular tourist attractions.