Final answer:
Greece is the country with Crete as its large island, which was the hub of the ancient Minoan civilization. The Minoans were remarkable traders and their largest city is Heraklion. Major sites like the Palace of Knossos highlight the civilization's grandeur.
Step-by-step explanation:
The country that has Crete, its large island off the Sea of Crete and a former center of the Minoan Civilization, is Greece. The Minoan civilization reached its height between 2000 and 1450 BCE, with its largest city being Heraklion. The Minoans were adept seafarers and traders, connecting with other civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. They were recognized for their impressive palatial structures, such as the Palace of Knossos, which was an administrative, religious, and economic hub. The Minoans established peaceful relations and maintained a united front possibly due to the geographic advantages of being on an island, as evidenced by the lack of fortifications in their city structures.