Minoan civilization flourished on the island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea from about 3000 BC until about 1200 BC, when it was devastated by earthquakes and conquered by people from the Greek mainland. Minoan art shows women and men athletes wearing little more than a loincloth while performing dangerous stunts such as leaping over bulls. Minoan wall paintings also depict goddesses and priestesses wearing what was probably the dress of upper-class women, consisting of a short-sleeved, laced bodice cut to expose the breasts; a long, bell-shaped skirt; and a tight sash around the waist. This style has intrigued historians because it differs so dramatically from typical Mediterranean clothing worn in ancient Egypt and Greece..