Knossos

Knossos is a Minoan site located only 3 mi. [5 km.] south of Iraklion. It was the center of a very advanced civilization from approximately 2000 t0 1550 B.C. that is called after the legendary king Minos who is said to have lived here at Knossos.

The palace at Knossos was excavated by Sir Arthur Evans and was partially “reconstructed” by him. He died in 1941. The palace was 5.5 acres [2.2 ha.] in size. It was originally constructed about 2000 B.C. An earthquake destroyed this palace about 1700 B.C. and the new palace that replaced it is the one that Sir Arthur reconstructed. The Mycenaeans conquered the Minoan civilization about 1450 B.C. and the final palace at Knossos was destroyed about 1375 B.C.

It is said that at its peak, about 50,000 people lived in the vicinity of Knossos. Other prominent Minoan sites include Malia, Gournia, Phaestos, and Hagia Triada