the Story of King Minos of Crete
Minos was one of the sons of Zeus and Europa and became King
of Crete on the death of his stepfather, King Asterios. He
was married to Pasiphae and had four daughters and four sons
with her, although he also had many more children by his many
mistresses. He became one of the most famous and powerful of all
the Cretan kings.
Throughout his reign he was given favour and protection from his
father, Zeus. During his supremacy, life was based upon strict
but fair rules. Minos received instructions from his father
every nine years at Idaio Andro and these dictated the laws with
which he was to govern the island. Minos' assistant was his
brother, Radamanthys, who was an equally fair and just leader.
The Kingdom of Minos enjoyed great prosperity and its power
expanded throughout the Aegean. All the Cretan cities were
united for the first time, including Knossos, Phaestos and
Cydonia. The naval power was developed and the Minoan
civilization spread and influenced many areas around the Eastern
Mediterranean, creating new cities and developing and advancing
literature and art. He was murdered in Sicily by King Cocalus of
Carnico who was determined not to give up the fugitive Daedalus
to him. The greatest King of Crete met a grisly end by being
boiled alive. After death, Minos (with his brother Radamanthys)
was appointed superior judge of Hades with power to judge the
sins of the dead.