One of the theories postulated by Historians such as Chiekh Anta Diop and Runoko Rashidi is that the Greek Minoans originated in Egypt.
The theory that the Minoans came from Egypt is based on the fact that there are many similarities between Egyptian (Kemetic) and Minoan Culture which is evident on their writing systems and artwork.
So, did the Minoans come from Egypt? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
Theories on the Origins of the Minoans
The Minoans were a maritime people and had contact with Egypt.
The Minoans also shared many similarities with the Egyptians, including their writing system and their religion. From the earliest days of Minoan civilization there are signs of strong influences from ancient Egypt in architecture, art, religion, and language.
It is clear that the Egyptians left their mark on the Minoan people of Crete.
The most obvious sign of Egyptian influence that supports that the Minions come from Egypt is in the architectural style of the Minoans.
The Palace at Knossos, for example, has many features that are similar to those found in Egyptian temples. Columns with capitals in the shape of lotus flowers, walls decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from nature, and large courtyards are all features that were borrowed from Egypt.
Even the religion of the Minoans shows evidence of Egyptian influence suggesting that the Minoans come from Egypt.
The worship of a mother goddess, for example, is something that was practiced by both the Egyptians and the Minoans, and certain symbols associated with this goddess, like the double axe and the snake, also have their roots in Egypt.
However, relations between Egytians and Minoans was not always cordial.Â
There was a period of time when Egypt actually conquered Crete and ruled it as a colony during the reign of Thutmose III.
During this time, even more elements of Egyptian culture were introduced to the Minoan island.
This includes things like Egyptian writing and hieroglyphics which can still be seen on some of the ruins at Knossos.
So while we may not know for sure if the Minoans came from Egypt, there is no doubt that they were heavily influenced by this powerful civilization.
Conclusion
There is still much debate surrounding the origins of the Minoans, but there is strong evidence to suggest that the Minoans did in fact originate from Egypt or were at least heavily influenced by Egypt. The evidence in support of the fact that the Minoans come from Egypt is convincing since there are very few other plausible explanations for how such an advanced civilization could have sprung up so suddenly on an island with no prior history.Â
