1. Earthquake devastation: There is archaeological evidence which suggests that the Minoan civilization may have been decimated by earthquakes that caused massive destruction to the island and its cities.
2. Volcanic eruption: A large volcanic eruption on or around the island of Santorini is believed to have caused a tsunami that brought with it destruction and chaos to the Minoan cities.
3. Human conflict: Growing tensions between city-states on the island of Crete, combined with the wider political changes of the surrounding nations, is thought to have caused the Minoans to collapse in the face of invading armies.