Although your analysis is certainly astute, Glen,
however we should bear the meaning of the Egyptian in
mind - before equating Keftiu with Crete/Caphtor and
therefore Minoan.
Aside from the presumed meanings of Caphtor, the
Egyptian "Keftiu" (the land and the people) comes from
"keft," which means "behind," or "at the back of." No
pillars.
Second, Egyptian tomb paintings depecting the "Keftiu"
often show them carrying elephant-tusks as tribute,
and there are Egyptian texts that state that elephants
are found in Keftiu. Of course, these animals never
had a home in Crete.
Third, for example, the Canopus decree, specifically
says that "Keft(iu)" is the home of the Amorites -
i.e., they are Syrian.
Recent work on this subject also suggests a similar
conclusion. I'm thinking of the work of Claude
Vandersleyen.
For me, it's too much of a leap to equate Keftiu with
Caphtor and by way of that Crete - especially when we
have the easier identification, supported by good and
clear evidence: Keftiu=Syria, which was the "Outback"
for the Egyptians - and as for those elephants - the
ivory trade from India.
Just some thoughts.
Nirmal Dass
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