The Knossos Palace on Crete is a must-visit place for tourists. The complex is located near the capital of Crete, the city of Heraklion. But it’s not just the convenient location that attracts visitors. The site is a living testament to the ancient civilization. Walking through its passages and studying the ancient frescoes, it’s easy to imagine the life of the townspeople 2000 years BC. The legends surrounding the ancient building add to its charm.
History of Construction
The first Knossos Palace was presumably built by the Minoans around 2000 BC. However, in 1700 BC, an earthquake almost completely destroyed the structure. This disaster did not spare any buildings on the island. But the palace was rebuilt soon after. This was the time of the full bloom of the Cretan civilization, and the new structure surpassed the previous one in beauty, elegance, and luxury. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long and was destroyed again in 1450 BC. Experts still debate the reason for its destruction. It is considered a miracle that parts of the palace were excavated and reconstructed.
Discovery by Evans
Initial excavations at the site of the Knossos Palace were conducted by Greek archaeologist Minos Kalokairinos in 1878. He discovered some artifacts, which attracted the interest of Europeans. One of them was Englishman Arthur Evans. Evans arrived on the island in 1900 and bought all the land where he believed the remains of the unique building were located. However, until 1905, his findings were insignificant and uninteresting.
In 1905, Evans unearthed artifacts whose significance is hard to overestimate:
- An abundance of household items
- Frescoes such as “Prince with Lilies” and “The Procession”
- The fresco “Bull-Leaping”
- The fresco “The Parisienne”
- Remains of palace rooms, including the Throne Room, workshops, and storage rooms
- Inscriptions on tablets
Evans didn’t stop there; he conducted a large-scale reconstruction of the buildings, acting as the architect himself. Thanks to this colossal work, today’s visitors have an idea of what the structure looked like after the first reconstruction (1700-1450 BC).
Of course, new elements were introduced. All the columns that adorn the building were recreated by Evans. The Minoans used wood for columns, which protected the building during earthquakes but decayed quickly. During reconstruction, the columns were made from stone.
Scientists have differing opinions on Evans’s approach; some believe it would have been sufficient to preserve the excavation and transfer artifacts to museums. Nevertheless, the reconstruction has made the monument a major tourist attraction.
Theories of the Palace’s Demise
Several theories explain the final destruction of the building:
- In 1450 BC, a fire ravaged the island, which may have caused Knossos’s destruction. Around the same time, Crete was taken over by Mycenae, a city-state in mainland Greece. The Mycenaeans were known for their ruthlessness, destroying everything in their path. However, there are no concrete facts about their rule. In 1000 BC, the Mycenaeans were displaced by the Romans, who started building on the island according to their standards. Very little is known about this period. Between 1450 and 1380 BC, the city and palace were taken over by the Achaeans, as the Mycenaean civilization declined. During this period, the palace was actively used by the new owners. After 1380 BC, the Achaeans abandoned the building and left the city.
Scientists still need to make a final conclusion about the tragedy that befell this unique structure.
The Labyrinth of the Minotaur
It is commonly believed that the Knossos Palace is the Labyrinth of the Minotaur. Supporting this claim are:
- The ancient symbol of the labrys (labyrinth) on the walls
- The chaotic and confusing layout of rooms, corridors, and passages
However, opponents argue that the myth of the hidden monster originated much earlier than the construction of the complex. During this time, the Minotaur would have had to be kept somewhere, likely in the many caves on Crete. While scholars debate, tourists eagerly visit the complex, imagining that it was here that Ariadne’s thread saved Theseus from the monster.
Architecture
Some modern architects believe it is incorrect to call the complex a palace. Rather, it is a closed city capable of existing autonomously. At first glance, Knossos seems like a confusing and disorganized structure. But its logical center is the courtyard, measuring 50×50 meters.
Here, winding corridors and passages intersect. The complex had plumbing, sewage, and ventilation systems. It was built both above and below ground. Notably, the complex lacked defensive walls; the Minoans dominated neighboring peoples and feared no enemies. Natural disasters, however, posed a greater threat to the civilization.
The Throne Room and Other Rooms
The Throne Room is a well-preserved chamber named after a massive stone chair. Nearby is a bathing pool. It is assumed that the rulers of Knossos held audiences in this room. The complex also includes rooms for the palace owners, courtiers, and priests.
Other rooms had functional purposes:
- Storage rooms for grain and prepared food
- Kouloures (pits used for storing grain or the remains of sacrificial animals)
- Artisans’ workshops
- A bathing pool for all visitors
The complex even had its own customs room where visitors were inspected.
Legends and Myths
This wonderful place gives rise to amazing myths:
- Minos himself was the son of Zeus and Europa, whom the god had abducted. However, Zeus ordered the ruler of Crete, Asterius, to marry Europa and become the father of her children. Thus, Minos became the legitimate ruler of the island, favored by the gods. Poseidon gifted Minos a white bull, which had a magnificent appearance. But the sea god placed a condition: the animal must be sacrificed. Minos, however, couldn’t part with the bull and sacrificed another animal instead. The deception was discovered, and Poseidon made Minos’s wife fall in love with the bull. From this unnatural passion, a monster was born with the head of a bull and the body of a man. The monster was aggressive, almost devouring its nurse right after birth. The Minotaur (along with its mother) was imprisoned in a labyrinth with no way out, designed and built by Daedalus. Anyone entering the labyrinth was devoured by the monster. To ensure a supply of victims, Minos demanded that Athens send seven young men and seven maidens every ten years. Theseus, who eventually killed the Minotaur, was among them. He found his way out of the labyrinth using Ariadne’s thread.
The legends do not tell how Minos died, but he continued to govern the fates of people in the underworld.
Interesting Facts
- Arthur Evans conducted excavations at his own expense, almost bankrupting his family. Additionally, he was too hasty for an archaeologist; instead of careful clearing, he ordered workers to remove what he considered uninteresting layers. As a result, little is known about the monument after its second destruction.
- Evans lacked accurate data, but this didn’t bother him; he simply invented missing architectural details. Some scholars were outraged, while others were understanding. Additionally, Evans masterfully restored unique Minoan frescoes. Greeks appreciate his work; a monument to the dedicated architect stands at the excavation site.
- Some modern architects consider Knossos an ancient skyscraper, and a very comfortable one at that: the building had several floors, ventilation, sewage, plumbing, and lighting. The mythical Minotaur, who lived in the labyrinth, was transferred by Dante to the “Divine Comedy” as a judge and executioner in the infernal circle. The Minotaur’s popularity has endured ever since.
- The Minoans created a more advanced civilization than the Greeks; the latter’s cities were colonies of Crete. The island state’s main rivals were Egypt and Mesopotamia. This conclusion was made by scientists studying the artifacts at Knossos. The complex serves as both a museum and a research center; excavations periodically resume, and future finds may answer many questions.
Hours of Operation and Ticket Prices
For adult tourists, the entrance ticket costs 15 euros; children under 18 enter for free. To save money, buy tickets on the official website.
Free admission is available:
- During the winter months (November-April): every first Sunday
- On International Tourism Day: September 27
- On holidays (listed on the palace’s official website)
During the tourist season (May-October), the center is open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM. In winter (November-April), it operates from 9 AM to 3 PM. Visitors are not allowed in half an hour before closing.
Location and How to Get There
The attraction is located at Minoiton, Heraklion 71409. You can get there in several ways:
- By bus from Heraklion. Route number 2 runs every 10 minutes. Get off at the last stop.
- By taxi. Since the destination is only 6 km from the center of Heraklion, it is inexpensive.
- By rented car. This is a convenient mode of travel; there is parking near the monument. The journey from Heraklion is short. Use a GPS if traveling from another city.
If your starting point is not Heraklion and you plan to use public transport, first get to the city’s bus station, then take bus number 2 to the final stop.