The Minoan civilisation, an ancient Bronze Age civilization that flourished on the island of Crete, did not have a single all-powerful leader. Rather, it was ruled by a complex system of palace-states, each with its own ruler.
Some notable Minoan rulers inclued:
1. Minos: This legendary figure was considered to be the founder and ruler of the Minoan civilization. However, it's important to note that Minos may be more of a mythical or semi-historical character rather than a specific historical ruler.
2. Ariadne: Ariadne is another renowned Minoan figure, known for her involvement in the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. She is often portrayed as a princess or powerful woman within Minoan society.
3. Idomeneus: Idomeneus is mentioned in Greek mythology as the ruler of Crete during the Trojan War. He was said to have led a contingent of Cretan troops to fight alongside the Achaeans against Troy.
The Phoenicians, an ancient Semitic civilization that inhabited the coastal regions of the Levant, also did not have a singular leader. Instead, they had city-states, each with its own ruler. Some notable Phoenician city-states and their respective leaders included:
1. Tyre: One of the most prominent Phoenician city-states, Tyre was ruled by a series of kings. Hiram I (10th century BCE) and Hiram II (8th century BCE) were among the most famous kings of Tyre, known for their commercial prowess and building projects.
2. Sidon: Sidon was another important Phoenician city-state, often considered the "mother city" of the Phoenicians. It was ruled by a series of kings, one of whom was Ethbaal I, who ascended to the throne in the 9th century BCE and was the father of Queen Jezebel, who married King Ahab of Israel.
3. Byblos: Byblos was a significant Phoenician city-state, renowned for its trade in papyrus. The most notable ruler of Byblos was Ahiram, whose elaborately carved stone sarcophagus is considered a masterpiece of Phoenician art.
It's worth mentioning that the histories and leadership structures of the Minoan and Phoenician civilizations are complex and still being studied by historians and archaeologists, so there may be varying interpretations of their rulers and leadership systems.