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KNOSSOS PALACE - CRETE - GREECE
Dating
from the Bronze Age, Knossos is the largest archaeological site in Crete. It was
the political and religious center of the Minoan culture. The Knossos Palace was
discovered by Sir Arthur Evans in 1894. Accompanied by Dr. Duncan Mackenzie, who
was distinguished by excavations on the island of Melos, and Mr. Fyfe, Evans used
a large team that was responsible for excavations that in June 1900, brought to
light much of the ancient palace. The remarkable Palace of Knossos as presented
today is a reconstruction using the original materials excavated by Arthur Evans.
Even if a settlement is not biblical Knossos, it shows great interest in terms
of tourism because of its proximity to Iraklion and especially because of the
Minoan culture that flourished here. Knossos is about 5 km south of Iraklion and
it is easy to get here by car or by local bus.
This
place was first inhabited in the Neolithic era (6000 BC). During the Bronze Age
(2800-1100 BC) the Minoan civilization in Knossos would have reached the peak
in its culture. The palace was originally built around 1900 BC and was destroyed
in an earthquake in 1700 BC. A new palace was built shortly. The Minoan culture
became famous in modern times for coloring and developed frescos, among other
things, "jumping over the bull" (which apparently was a sport or a religious
ritual).
These
paintings depict a company, compared to flourishing contemporary art of the Middle
Kingdom and the New Kingdom is surprisingly non-military. Besides the scenes with
men and women related activities such as fishing and care of flowers, these frescoes
present athletics competitions, like a ritual in which young people perform acrobatics
on the back of bulls.
The
Knossos famous legends have spread worldwide, and the adventures of King Minos
and the Minotaur (a mythological animal locked in the labyrinth in which victims
had to be slaughtered), and the flight of Daedalus and his son, Icarus, whose
wings of death were melted because he flew too close to the sun. The
Minoan civilization was replaced by indigenous invaders sometime after 1450 BC.
Even so, they continued to use the palace and to bring additions. It is believed
that this warrior culture was part of the group known as "the Sea People"
who tried to invade Egypt, being rejected by Ramses III, and settling along the
southern coast of Israel. These people became known in the Bible as the Philistines,
who fought against both King Saul and David.
Around
1300 BC a devastating fire destroyed the palace. For almost a thousand years before
the city-state of Knossos continued north and west of the palace area. The city
remained the largest and most powerful of Cretan cities up until roman times,
when opposition to the Romans did it to be replaced by Gortyna since 67 BC.
The
whole area is open to visit and the most important attractions are easily identified.
Besides the colorful frescoes and the building (originals of which are found in
the Archaeological Museum of Iraklion), remember throne room with griffins as
guards, the Queen's Chamber with the bathroom, a bath with a terracotta and what
is said to be the first toilet with a water tank; sophisticated windows and curtains
for ventilation and light and large clay pots used to store grain, wine and olive
oil.
Quick
useful information
Crete
is much more than an island, it is a micro continent. There are few places in
the world where you can find such a vast array of cultural influences within such
a relatively small geographical area. The area is also blessed with an amazing
variety of terrain which contributes both to the wealth of fresh local agricultural
products available as well as the wide range of outdoor activities that can be
enjoyed here.
Last
minute offers! Great hotel rates for SUMMER 2012! CALLCENTER: 004 0766 264 594
Dating
from the Bronze Age, Knossos is the largest archaeological site in Crete. It was
the political and religious center of the Minoan culture. The Knossos Palace was
discovered by Sir Arthur Evans in 1894. Accompanied by Dr. Duncan Mackenzie, who
was distinguished by excavations on the island of Melos, and Mr. Fyfe, Evans used
a large team that was responsible for excavations that in June 1900, brought to
light much of the ancient palace. The remarkable Palace of Knossos as presented
today is a reconstruction using the original materials excavated by Arthur Evans.
Even if a settlement is not biblical Knossos, it shows great interest in terms
of tourism because of its proximity to Iraklion and especially because of the
Minoan culture that flourished here. Knossos is about 5 km south of Iraklion and
it is easy to get here by car or by local bus.
The
Minoan civilization was replaced by indigenous invaders sometime after 1450 BC.
Even so, they continued to use the palace and to bring additions. It is believed
that this warrior culture was part of the group known as "the Sea People"
who tried to invade Egypt, being rejected by Ramses III, and settling along the
southern coast of Israel. These people became known in the Bible as the Philistines,
who fought against both King Saul and David.