Palace of Knossos
Besides its structure and architecture, this rather unusual site, the Palace of Knossos is most renowned for its association to Greek mythology such as the story of Daedalus and Icarus. Learn more about it by reviewing my list of 11 top facts.
11 Top Facts to Solve Palace of Knossos' Mysteries
1. Knossos, the biggest Bronze Age archaeological site discovered on Crete Island, was the ceremonial and political heart of Minoan civilization and culture. It comprised an ancient palace and the city surrounding it.
2. Once, archaeologists thought Knossos was initially inhabited throughout the Neolithic time period, beginning about 6,000 B.C. But the first palace on the site wasn't constructed until about 1,900 B.C. on the actual ruins of the earlier settlements.
3. Approximately 1,700 B.C., either an earthquake or invaders levelled this palace, together with other significant structures on Crete. Nearly at once, the palace was reconstructed but this time on a greater yet less vast scale.
4. Sir Arthur Evan found the palace in 1894. But it wasn't till 1900 when he and his group of workers finally began to excavate the site. However, his restoring work has sparked much frenzied controversy among archeologists, although it offers a tourist an idea of what the palace may have looked like.
5. Significant discoveries in the palace were the many murals that adorned the walls. These paintings depict a non-militaristic community that obviously valued athletic contests, fishing, and rituals.
6. As you enter the palace, you'll see stunning frescoes that decorate its walls in many sections. However, the majority of these frescoes are only reproductions by Piet de Jong frequently using a few pieces of painted plaster. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is home to several original and rebuilt frescoes.
7. Many of the original frescoes have paints which remain quite vivid after 4,000 years. For example, once you come in, you could see the amazing Fresco of the Procession.
8. In the Queen's Apartments, you'll find the Dolphin Fresco, which is one of the most popular in the whole palace. While the real one is on display in the above-mentioned museum, a replica sits above the apartment's doorway. This fresco, showing off its bright colors, is regarded as one of the most beautiful works of Minoan art in the Palace of Knossos.
9. The palace consists of many rooms, of which, probably the most striking, was the Throne Room. Here you'll see a big chair that's built into the wall. Moreover, the room contains a tank that archaeologists theorize was an aquarium. If you go to the south wall, you'll find a fresco portraying mythical animals called griffins having a lion's body and an eagle's head.
10. A very interesting aspect of this palace is its place in Greek mythology. Several myths appear to be based on varying aspects of this palace, including Daedalus erecting a palace without an exit, the Theseus battling and slaying the Minotaur, and Icarus journeying to the sun with his wax wings.
11. By entering the palace and admiring its ancient decorations everywhere, visitors now have the extraordinarily unique opportunity to go back in time and delve into Greek mythology, which was something that could only be experienced by reading a book.
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