From the 27th century BC until the 15th century BC, Crete was inhabited by Bronze Age people known as the Minoans. Basically sea traders, they travelled to Egypt, Cyprus and as far westward as the coast of Spain, trading. An organised, artistic people, a lot of their Royal Palaces still survive, drawing people from cheap hotels in Crete. Many of the treasures that have been discovered during excavations at Minoan sites can be seen at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Minoan pottery and ceramics, frescoes and jewellery items are amongst some of the treasures uncovered. Intricately carved seal stones are a Minoan speciality found amongst the remains and were worn as an amulet.
The most famous Minoan remains on Crete have to be Knossos, sometimes known as The Labyrinth. Uncovered by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans in 1900, Knossos is a series of 1000 interlocking rooms including servant's quarters, store rooms, wine presses and workshops. This is a popular attraction for people from Crete hotels and is located just 5km from Iraklion. Not all of the site is open to the public as excavations can take place sporadically. The places open are the Palace of Knossos, the Minoan houses and the Royal Villa which has some well-preserved Roman mosaics. This site is home to the legend of the Minotaur, a man who was half bull and held captive in a labyrinth, before he met his match in Thesus. Earthquakes and fires have ravaged the palace over the years, but after each natural disaster the palace emerges looking even more magnificent then before.
In northern Crete near the town of Hersonissos lies another Minoan remain, the Royal Palace of Malia. There is lots to see here and it attracts many visitors from hotels nearby. You can walk around here and see the many rooms of the complex, which makes it truly fascinating. There are many storage rooms where goods for export would have been housed and the granaries here serve the same purpose, essential as the complex is located near the sea.
No comments:
Post a Comment