The geographic position of Crete in the southernmost part of the eastern Mediterranean and its natural environment played a definitive role in the genesis, evolution and character of Minoan civilization. Lying close to Egypt and the Middle East meant that Crete had very early contact with the great civilizations, which inspired the later cultural achievements of the island. The insular character of Crete and the temperate Mediterranean climate distinguished Minoan civilization from the other eastern civilizations.

Important geological factors, such as geomorphology, neotectonic movements, and the eruption of Thera and the rise in the sea level altered the natural environment of Crete to such an extent that it effected its historic course. In addition, secondary factors resulting from human activities, such as deforestation, long-term and intensive agricultural cultivation leading to soil erosion, contributed to changes in the natural environment. This had a strong impact on Bronze Age cultural evolution.