What if the Minotaur myth wasn’t just a story—but a memory of something real?

In this second part of the Minotaur mini-series, we step beyond the myth and into the ruins of ancient Crete. I’ll walk you through what archaeologists have discovered at the Minoan palace of Knossos—an actual maze-like structure that might have inspired the legend. We’ll explore bull-leaping rituals, signs of human sacrifice, and one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history: the explosion of Thera around 1600 BC.

Could that disaster have sparked a legend about a cursed king, a doomed island, and a monster in a maze? Maybe even the myth of Atlantis?

This episode is packed with history, myth, and ancient mystery—and it’s all told the way I’ve shared it with my 7th grade students for years.

🧠 For more myths, archaeology, and the surprising truths behind ancient stories—follow Have to Know History.

🎥 You can also watch this series on YouTube, including original footage from Crete and AI visuals at: https://youtube.com/@HaveToKnowHistory

🎶 For original music, visit my artist channel: @JasonFreewaltMusic