By 1900 BC, palaces emerged at Knossos, Phaistos, Mallia and probably Khania and Zakro, large complexes with public architecture, domestic quarters, workshops and substantial storage facilities.
Written (though undeciphered) records imply that the authorities resident in the palaces exercised economic control over the island, receiving, storing and redistributing produce. These palaces were destroyed around 1625 BC by a major earthquake, but quickly rose again.
Other lesser centres also emerged, large country estates and separate towns with a resident governor. Much of Minoan life revolved around religious activities and beliefs. Worship took place in remote sanctuaries and palace shrines. Figurines and frescoes give a vivid picture of Minoan life while the exuberant painted pottery highlights Cretan involvement with the sea.
Overseas trade extended as far afield as Egypt and Cyprus; settlements emerged on many Aegean islands that, while probably independent, strongly reflected Minoan cultural influence. Best known is Thera, its frescoed houses preserved by a devastating volcanic eruption.
No Minoan sites were fortified, suggesting that any need of defence was met at sea. But around 1450 BC, Crete suffered a devastating reverse, in which many of the palaces were destroyed by fire.
