The Minotaur was a creature that was a monstrous half-man, half-bull imprisoned in Daedalus's labyrinth. Crete gave birth to Europe's first civilization nearly 5,000 years ago. Then it collapsed in fire and violence. Many questions have arisen from the society and Hughes is following in the footsteps of famed archaeologists to find startling new insights into the Minoan culture. Fresh evidence excaved from sites all over Crete offers tantalizing clues to the everyday life, and the tragic destiny, of the accomplished artisans and architects who lived at the crossroads of the ancient world.