This is a multi-part series. See other chapters HERE.
Part XI: Crete – Heraklion/Knossos Sept. 19, 2013
[Day 4 of 4, Greek Islands Cruise]
The second most popular historical attraction in Greece is Knossos, located just south of Heraklion, on the island of Crete. It is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site and has been called Europe’s oldest city.
Settled as early as the Neolithic period, the name Knossos survives from ancient Greek references to the major city of Crete. The palace of Knossos eventually became the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization** and culture.
Minos was the first King of Crete, son of Zeus and Europa.
Every nine years, he made King Aegeus pick seven young boys and seven young girls to be sent to Daedalus’s creation at Knossos, the labyrinth, to be eaten by the Minotaur.
After his death, Minos became a judge of the dead in the underworld.
The Minoan civilization was named after Minos by the archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans.
The palace’s primary attraction is not so much the authentic Bronze Age remains (which are more than three thousand years old) but rather the extensive early 20th century restorations installed by the site’s excavator, the above-mentioned Sir Arthur Evans.
Attitudes towards Evans’ reconstruction are largely hostile among contemporary archaeologists. But visitors – while pointing out that it’s not difficult to distinguish between original features and Evans’ work – will argue that the reconstructed features offer a unique and tangible insight into life inside the hub of Minoan culture.
Map of the Knossos Palace
[Click on images to view original size and read the captions]
Knossos Overview
Pillars and Pottery
The Throne Room
Minoan Frescoes
While the site was impressive, it was incredibly crowded and hot that day, making for an uncomfortable experience. The other downside was a less than enthusiastic tour guide, who took a few shortcuts. Sadly, we missed some of the highlights, but this video should give you a more complete picture:
Have you ever been to Crete? If not, would you like to go?
Do you think ancient ruins should be restored or left alone?
Only one more stop! Missed the previous travelogues? Click HERE to view.
Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
Hi Debbie – better late than never … what an interesting place … thanks for the video – I loved the look of the Queen’s Megaron, which sadly isn’t shown in Wiki – I’m sure I can find it elsewhere. That must have been amazing … I too hate crowded sites and heat … so can understand your frustration, as well as the tour guide’s resistance – but frustrating when you’ve paid for it. However I always whizz round things, but read so much more afterwards and learn from that … loved seeing it – and what an amazing trip. Cheers – Hilary
Thanks for visiting Hilary! 🙂 We loved being there despite the crowds and the heat. The tour guide seemed more interested in finishing up as quickly as possible, rather than showing us around. My thinking was, we had spent a lot of money to get there and for the tour – at least make it worth our while! Oh well, what we did see was pretty spectacular. ? I always do more research afterwards, as well.
I would love to go to Greece and the surrounding islands. You are lucky to have been able to go there even though the tour guide was sick of his/her job. It looks like it was really beautiful to see. To restore the ancient ruins…I don’t know, this is a very tough question. When I think of all the restoration done in Germany and that we are now blessed with seeing beautiful buildings, I am all for that and still secretly wish they would restore the Berlin Cathedral but I just don’t know about the ancient ruins. I think if they can restore mosaics and other art work, I am for that but I am not sure it is the right thing to do for something that has been destroyed for centuries.
Hi Birgit, No question, we were thrilled about the trip, and we didn’t let the tour guide put too much of a damper on things here. The questions about the Knosssos restorations are mostly about whether or not they accurately portray how things were (apparently, many liberties were taken), I’ll go along with those who say the reconstructed features offer a unique and tangible insight into the Minoan culture. 🙂 Thanks for coming by!
Hi Carol; I never dreamed it would become a reality for me, either. I was in ‘pinch me” mode the whole trip! ? I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. Thank you for the compliment. 🙂
Thanks, diedre. I agree with you. These embellishments are likely the reason Knossos has not been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. They do make for colourful photos, though. 🙂
That’s crappy that it wasn’t a great experience. Hate crappy guides! Frankly, I’d have been tempted to toss a few stink bombs, run everyone off, and just check it out myself!
I came tantalizingly close to visiting Greece, but my sponsorship fell short.
Your presentation is fantastic, Debbie…
I would not change a thing about the ruins. Leave them as they are until the world is on fire.
Greek mythology is so fascinating, isn’t it? 🙂 Our tour of Greece was one “pinch me” moment after another. ?
Thanks for coming by, Janie. Happy New Year!
What an outstanding and organized post, Debbie! I’ve not been to Crete and there are other places I would rather visit. I feel ruins should be left alone unless they no longer are recognizable. I imagine some restoration will be needed over time just to preserve them.
20 thoughts on “CRETE: GREEK ODYSSEY PART XI”
Hi Debbie – better late than never … what an interesting place … thanks for the video – I loved the look of the Queen’s Megaron, which sadly isn’t shown in Wiki – I’m sure I can find it elsewhere. That must have been amazing … I too hate crowded sites and heat … so can understand your frustration, as well as the tour guide’s resistance – but frustrating when you’ve paid for it. However I always whizz round things, but read so much more afterwards and learn from that … loved seeing it – and what an amazing trip. Cheers – Hilary
Thanks for visiting Hilary! 🙂 We loved being there despite the crowds and the heat. The tour guide seemed more interested in finishing up as quickly as possible, rather than showing us around. My thinking was, we had spent a lot of money to get there and for the tour – at least make it worth our while! Oh well, what we did see was pretty spectacular. ? I always do more research afterwards, as well.
I would love to go to Greece and the surrounding islands. You are lucky to have been able to go there even though the tour guide was sick of his/her job. It looks like it was really beautiful to see. To restore the ancient ruins…I don’t know, this is a very tough question. When I think of all the restoration done in Germany and that we are now blessed with seeing beautiful buildings, I am all for that and still secretly wish they would restore the Berlin Cathedral but I just don’t know about the ancient ruins. I think if they can restore mosaics and other art work, I am for that but I am not sure it is the right thing to do for something that has been destroyed for centuries.
Hi Birgit, No question, we were thrilled about the trip, and we didn’t let the tour guide put too much of a damper on things here. The questions about the Knosssos restorations are mostly about whether or not they accurately portray how things were (apparently, many liberties were taken), I’ll go along with those who say the reconstructed features offer a unique and tangible insight into the Minoan culture. 🙂 Thanks for coming by!
I also have wanted to visit Greece and its archaeological sites but have never had the opportunity. Stunning photos
Hi Carol; I never dreamed it would become a reality for me, either. I was in ‘pinch me” mode the whole trip! ? I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. Thank you for the compliment. 🙂
Fascinating!
I think these places should always be left alone, preserved whenever possible. I’m skeptical of restorations in terms of authenticity.
Thanks, diedre. I agree with you. These embellishments are likely the reason Knossos has not been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. They do make for colourful photos, though. 🙂
That’s crappy that it wasn’t a great experience. Hate crappy guides! Frankly, I’d have been tempted to toss a few stink bombs, run everyone off, and just check it out myself!
Yeah, the guide was not the greatest, and the crowds were horrendous, but hey, at least we made it there! 🙂
I came tantalizingly close to visiting Greece, but my sponsorship fell short.
Your presentation is fantastic, Debbie…
I would not change a thing about the ruins. Leave them as they are until the world is on fire.
Yes, I remember you mentioned that before. What a pity! 🙁 I agree with you about the ruins.
Yes, I want to visit Crete and have never been, of course. I love the story of the labyrinth. I used it in a poem I wrote long ago.
Love,
Janie
Greek mythology is so fascinating, isn’t it? 🙂 Our tour of Greece was one “pinch me” moment after another. ?
Thanks for coming by, Janie. Happy New Year!
Nothing like going on the trip of a lifetime and to celebrate your anniversary is even better. Awesome.
Have a fabulous day and weekend, Debbie. ♥
It was a most memorable trip! (Followed five years later by another one.) Thanks for coming by, Sandee. 🙂 Enjoy your weekend.
What an outstanding and organized post, Debbie! I’ve not been to Crete and there are other places I would rather visit. I feel ruins should be left alone unless they no longer are recognizable. I imagine some restoration will be needed over time just to preserve them.
Thanks, Eugenia. I agree with you. The extensive renovations to Knossos are likely the reason it has not been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Greece and Italy. The rest I can fantasize about.
Both countries are amazing! ?