Knossos Palace

The history...

The hisotory of Knossos Palace dates back over 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest and most significant archaeological sites in Europe. The palace was the center of the Minoan civilization, which flourished on Crete from around 3000 BCE to 1100 BCE.

Constructed around 1900 BCE, Knossos Palace was a sprawling complex of over 1,000 rooms, with grand courtyards, storerooms, workshops, and ceremonial chambers. It was the political, administrative, and religious center of the Minoan civilization and is believed to have been ruled by a powerful king.

The palace reached its peak during the Middle Minoan period (around 2000-1600 BCE), when it was adorned with colorful frescoes, intricate pottery, and advanced architectural features. The Minoans were known for their sophisticated culture, with trade networks reaching across the Mediterranean and beyond.

In Greek mythology, Knossos was associated with the legendary King Minos, who was said to have commissioned the construction of the labyrinth to contain the Minotaur, a mythical creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull. While the labyrinth itself has never been found, the palace's complex layout and maze-like corridors have led some scholars to speculate that it may have inspired the myth.

The decline of Knossos Palace began around 1450 BCE, possibly due to a series of earthquakes or invasion by foreign forces. The palace was eventually abandoned and fell into ruins, buried beneath layers of earth and debris.

Knossos Palace remained hidden until the early 20th century when British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans began excavations at the site. His work uncovered the palace's remarkable remains, including its distinctive architecture, colorful frescoes, and intricate artifacts.

Today, Knossos Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Crete's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the reconstructed portions of the palace and learn about the fascinating history of the Minoan civilization that once thrived there.

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23 m

buried

The archaeological excavations conducted at Knossos Palace revealed layers of ruins and artifacts buried as deep as 23 meters (75 feet) below the surface, providing valuable insights into the palace's history and development over time.

4000

years old

Knossos Palace is believed to have been constructed around 1900 BCE, making it over 4,000 years old.

+1,000

rooms

Knossos Palace covered an area of approximately 20,000 square meters (about 215,000 square feet), making it one of the largest Bronze Age archaeological sites in Greece.