Beneficial Effects of the Maritime Sovereignty of Minos–favourable towards a general Improvement in Civil Society. Rise of the Maritime Kingdoms of Greece–Sicyon, Corinth, Argos. Naval Power, and enterprising Spirit of Agamemnon. View of the Coast of Asia Minor. Grecian Fleet sails to invade Troy. Homer's beautiful Account of the different Squadrons that composed it, with remarks. Rise of Athens. Mr. Bryant's learned Dissertation on Troy.

AFTER the death of Minos who was styled Son of the Ocean, the maritime kingdoms of Greece became more attached to settled habitations, and more intent on the acquisition of Commercial wealth: as this disposition continued to increase, the Poor hired out their services to the Rich, and thus the regular pay, and various gradations of that marine force, which we have already described, arose from the rude and lawless gangs of piracy; the school of antient heroism and valour.

Minos, King of Crete, as already mentioned, was the earliest sovereign who ever possessed a regular marine establishment, or who first acquired that sovereignty of the ocean, which has since proved such a source of contest among the more polished nations of the present age.