One thing which intrigues me about Crete is that it is mentioned a lot in Greek history. Such as in the Iliad and the Myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.
It was a major power at one time but that era, at least in Crete, seems to be lost in the shadows of history.
Another thing about Crete that never seems to get mentioned is that it is where the basic way of life the Spartans later adopted originated.
Conquest and enslavement of the natives and totalitarian militarization of society to keep them enslaved.