Who are the ancient people that originally lived on the island of Crete?
Answer:
The ancient people of Crete were not, in fact, called Cretians, nor do I believe they are referred to as such today. The ancient peoples of Crete were known as the Minoans, after Minos, perhaps the most well-known king of Crete.
Minos is notable for his part in the myth of the Minotaur, or Bull of Minos. According to the legend, as a result of his displeasing the gods (specifically, Poseidon), his wife became enamored with a beautiful white bull, with which she conceived the Minotaur. Not one to be undermined so easily, Minos had a labyrinth built around his wife's half-human progeny, to which he would send 10 Athenian men and women every few years.
=== King? ===
Minos could well have been a title, like Caesar beacame, as their are many different Minos mentioned throughout history.