The Ancient Greeks and Minoans
Language and Symbols
Language
The language of the minoans (Minoan) was spoken on the island until the first millenium BC, where it was replaced by the mainland greek language. The language was written in Linear A (see below). The Eteocretan language (meaning 'true cretan) is very likely decended from the minoan language.
Symbols
There were two main written scripts of the Minoans: Linear A, and Linear B. Linear B was successfully deciphered by Michael Ventris. The earlier scripts stil remain a mystery. The majority of the tablets had Linear B inscripted on them, making them easy to crack.
