The Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations shared similar characteristics, such as a focus on sea-related trade and redistribution of crops and goods. However, they both also had characteristics unique to their own civilizations. Which of the following is a characteristic of the Mycenaean civilization? A. Women played a key role in society, as they even held the position of priest. B. Their civilization was located on the island of Crete. C. Their written language remains undecipherable. D. They are known as the first Greeks, as they spoke a language similar to modern Greek.

The Minoan civilization was an Aegean Bronze Age civilization that arose on the island of Crete and flourished from approximately 2700 to 1450 BC. It was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century through the work of British archaeologist Arthur Evans. Will Durant referred to it as "the first link in the European chain."

The early inhabitants of Crete settled as early as 128,000 BC, during the Middle Paleolithic age. It was not until 5000 BC that the first signs of advanced agriculture appeared, marking the beginning of civilization. The Minoan culture was established by the 27th century BC.