Mino

Mino is a term that can refer to several different topics. The most widely known is its association with the Minoan civilization, the Bronze Age culture of Crete. The name Minoan is derived from Minos, a legendary king of Crete in Greek mythology, and the shorter form Mino is sometimes used in discussions of this culture.

Minoan civilization existed roughly from 2600 to 1100 BCE and flourished at major centers such as Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Zakros. It was characterized by elaborate palaces, vibrant frescoes, and advanced urban planning. Minoan art and religious practices show strong maritime orientation and influences across the Aegean. The Minoans developed writing systems, notably Linear A (undeciphered) and Linear B (adapted later by the Mycenaeans for Greek).

In modern contexts, Mino is also used as a given name or nickname in Italian-speaking communities and beyond. A notable figure is Mino Raiola (Carmine Raiola, 1967–2022), the Italian football agent who popularized the name.

The term is thus primarily historical in reference to Bronze Age Crete, but it also appears in contemporary personal naming and occasional references in culture and media.