Page "Minotaur" Paragraph 21

A historical explanation of the myth refers to the time when Crete was the main political and cultural potency in the Aegean Sea.

As the fledgling Athens ( and probably other continental Greek cities ) was under tribute to Crete, it can be assumed that such tribute included young men and women for sacrifice.

This ceremony was performed by a priest disguised with a bull head or mask, thus explaining the imagery of the Minotaur.

It may also be that this priest was son to Minos.