Introduction
Welcome to Crete! Time to delve into the history and mythology of this island to discover the first European civilization. Get ready to explore the Palace of Knossos and let the stories of the ancient past set on fire your imagination. Reveal the secrets of the archaeological site, appreciate its allure, and make your visit to Crete both enjoyable and educational with an expedition across Crete’s heritage!I am Nick and together, we will discover the splendour of Knossos Palace, where the greatest civilization of Minoan Crete ruled almost 4,000 years ago, and where Theseus killed the legendary Minotaur in King Minos’ labyrinth. Many centuries before the Greeks build the Parthenon and invented democracy, Minoan artists were already immortalizing their civilization in frescos, and while Europe was still living in a protohistoric civilization, the Minoans were already building huge multi-floor palaces with sewage systems and even toilets. This civilization was so advanced for its time that they were the first European people to use writing, but unfortunately at the top of their power, the Minoans were brutally erased from the history pages.Let's now start our tour of the Knossos' palace.
Stop 1 - The Palace Entrance
After the main ticket office, we will validate our tickets and pass the turnstiles. Step through the grand main entrance, and imagine the bustling activity that once filled these streets. According to Greek mythology, the grand entrance to Knossos, known as the "Labyrinth," played a significant role in the myth of the Minotaur but we will talk about it later.The brilliant Minoan palace of Knossos was constructed firstly in 1900 B.C., approximately at the same time as the pyramids of Egypt, and then in 1700-1450 B.C. Unlike other civilizations like ancient Greeks, the Minoan palaces were not only the residence of kings, but they were the real economic, social, and religious centres. The location of Knossos was in the middle of an agricultural area and all around the palace was a city with an estimated 30,000 inhabitants, which was an enormous number for that time. But unfortunately, it will be gradually destroyed because of several earthquakes.Around 1700 B.C., the new palace of Knossos was rebuilt; it was spectacular because it looked like a real Labyrinth. It has a surface of 22,000 m² and has more rooms than the current White House in the United States. The volcanic eruption of Santorini Island created a giant tsunami that devastated Crete. Almost all the palaces were destroyed, except for Knossos, which was not even touched. Despite the tsunami, the Minoans will experience a golden age that will last centuries. This resilience shows the high level of development of the Minoan civilization. In 1450 B.C., the ancient Greeks conquered the island, also called the Mycenaeans. This conquest will mark the end of the Minoan civilization, which had survived for almost a millennium so it will be forgotten entirely for thousands of years. It was rediscovered recently, but I will tell you about it at our next stop.
Stop 2 Bust of Sir Arthur Evans
On our right hand, we will notice two bronze statues after the wooden bridge.The first statue on your left is of Minos Kalokairinos, a Cretan archaeologist who was the first to discover the palace before Schliemann. Still, at that time, Crete was under Ottoman occupation, and the government's pressure forced him to stop the excavations. The second statue is that of the famous English archaeologist, author John Evans who was the first to discover and bring to life the legendary palace of King Minos. Excavation began in 1900, and Evans was convinced that he had found the ancient palace of King Minos. But during his holes, he discovered a completely different civilization, unknown until then. The largest and oldest European civilization had just been found. It took the name of Minoan in reference to the legendary King Minos, who would've ruled on the island. The site was in poor condition. The archaeologist restored it with materials, such as concrete, not part of the palace. Evans was very criticized for these restoration works. He had often been accused of being a bit exaggerated because he rearranged the archaeological site according to his imagination. Despite his controversial message, Evans understood and appreciated the splendour of the palace and its legacy. At his death, the archaeologist donated aside in all his discoveries to the Greek state.A few steps away, on the opposite side, we will meet our next point of interest.
Stop 3 - The Kouloures
Passing by the bust of Sir Arthur Evans we will cross the wooden platform and we will see on our left three cylindrical pits, the enigmatic Kouloures. This name was given by the workers of Evans referring to the shape, and they were covered with stone walls for a long time. Evans considered that Kouloures were used as a garbage depository. According to other theories, they were used as repositories for ceremonial offerings or grain storage. Now, it is believed that they might have been used to collect the rainwater. However, small clay and bronze figurines were found inside, which were only used as a secret deposit for the gods, along with the rest of the animal sacrifice.
Stop 4 - The Procession Corridor
Having the Kouloures on our back and facing another bust of Sir Arthur Evans, we go straight ahead and then turn left. We will pass by a tree and we will see the West porch, which includes the corridor of the Procession. The air is filled with a sense of mystery and awe as you step into the corridor, immersing yourself in the ancient history that surrounds you.The corridor of the procession got its name from the frescoes on the walls. Currently, they are exhibited in the Museum of Heraklion. At that time, the walls were covered with large, colourful frescoes, and the floor was made of gypsum and green slate tiles. Archaeological research revealed that this ritual-themed fresco depicted more than 150 men and women holding ceremonial objects, musical instruments, and gifts. In the centre, a female figure, possibly a personification of a deity, was painted, while at the head of the procession the famous Prince of the Lilies was leading the way.Now, let’s look at another detail visible from the wooden platform. Please look to your right at the end of the platform; you will see a building below. It is easily recognizable. This big building was actually a Minoan house. It is essential to know that the people’s homes were located around the palace. Some of them could even accommodate up to 50 people. Its architecture gives us a good idea of the Minoan architectural skills, especially in constructing multilevel buildings.The Procession Corridor of Knossos stands as a testament to the advanced civilization that once thrived on this island. It is a place that ignites the imagination, transporting you back in time to an era of vibrantcolors, intricate rituals, and a society deeply connected to its gods. With each step, you uncover a fragment of the Minoan legacy, leaving you in awe of the ancient wonders that still linger within these hallowed walls.
Stop 5 - South Inner Propylaea
Following the boardwalk on our right, let’s cross the wooden ramp and go left. We continue straight ahead and then, once again, left. At the end of the wooden walkway, we will turn left and go ahead in order to find ourselves at the southern entrance of the palace. It is one of the most fascinating areas of the site, a monumental structure that played a crucial role in ancient ceremonies and events. Evans rebuilt this part of Propylaea. By the way, the white stone you see on the walls is alabaster, a very soft stone, but Evans covered it with concrete which unfortunately broke it. On the walls and doors, there were wooden beams. They were used for earthquake-resistant construction. The walls were covered with frescoes. The best-preserved figure here is the famous right carrier, so cool because of the controversial holes in his hands. In Minoan art, we can distinguish men from women by skin colour. Men were represented in brick red and women in white. Young men and women have both long black hair and wear the same clothes and jewelry. According to Minoan culture, the ideal man was athletic with strong, muscular arms and thighs. There are very few examples of representations of middle-aged Minoan men. These frescoes showed that physical aesthetics was a necessary criterion for them. This characteristic will be found later widely among the ancient Greeks.
Stop 6 - Prince of the Lilies
Continue our way straight forward, we are in front of the famous fresco of the Prince of Lilies, restored in 1905 by the artist Emile Gillieron, the Prince of the Lilies reflects the ideal Minoan male figure.The Prince of the Lilies was said to be a figure of unparalleled beauty and grace, much like the blooming lilies that adorned the palace gardens. His presence was captivating, and his aura radiated with a sense of divine connection to the natural world. It was within the walls of the majestic palace that the prince would often be found, surrounded by lush gardens filled with vibrant flowers and fragrant lilies.Although this part of the palace is almost destroyed, one can still see a copy of the famous fresco. The original is now exhibited in the Museum of Heraklion. This painting is 2m high. It represents a man who seems to be part of a procession. He is standing according to Egyptian pictorial conventions: faced and lower limb scenes in profile. This young man appears wearing a necklace with lilies, a fashionable crown also decorated with lilies and peacock feathers and a loincloth with a wide belt. It is thought this figure was led, by a rope, a sphinx or a griffin. Recent research suggests that this elegant figure with blowing dark hair might be not a man but actually a woman.To sum up, this fresco should never have existed. It reminds us more of Arthur Evans’s restoration methods than anything else. Please stand in the middle of the central courtyard for the next stop.
Stop 7 - Central court
We are now at the central courtyard, a gathering place for the Minoans. Let’s relax. Let’s close our eyes and listen to the echoes of ancient conversation.This courtyard is 60m long and 29m wide and is a characteristic element of the Minoan palatial architecture around which all the buildings were articulated. It offered a large skylight that allowed the other rooms to be illuminated. Also used as a central hub, the courtyard was used to ventilate the palace. Wooden panels were used to protect the rooms from drought or to cool them naturally. Sumptuous banquets and feasts were celebrated in the place where we were standing. During these festivities, it is also known that the Minoans performed the first bull games in history. To accommodate the guests, rooms of excellent refinement were available. Most of these rooms were located in the northern, opposite the Prince of Lilies. These rooms were equipped with sirenic services of different quality, depending on the social status of the guest.
Stop 10 - The grand staircase
Welcome to the grand staircase, an architectural masterpiece, and imagine the Minoans ascending and descending with elegance and grace. We are in front of the ancient official entrance to the royal apartments. At that time, guards were posted on the verandas, which boarded the skylight. They watched the comings and goings. The grand staircase is a masterpiece of Minoan civilization. It is one of the most exciting parts of the Palace because the two floors are still well-preserved. Remember that Greek palaces had no more than three or four rooms at that time. At the same time, the Palace of Knossos had up to 5 floors accessible by the large staircase in front of us. The staircase was built of alabaster stone. The steps are wide, thin, and slightly inclined, allowing an accessible pasture. It is illuminated by a skylight, necessary also for the ventilation of the floor below. The walls that surrounded the verandas of the staircase were covered with paintings. We can see a copy of one of them where shields in the shape of a door are painted. These paintings represented the shields of the people, which were made of animal skin.Take a break under the porch, and admire the view of the east wing of the Palace. Below we see huge walls and several staircases. In some places, you even have an idea of the floors below. It is here that you can imagine the extraordinary dimensions of this Palace. One can sometimes think of this civilization as a bit anachronic for its time. The view below shows the Royal apartments, but we see only the roof now because we are on high ground. But don't worry; for the next step, we will go down below. We will visit the double axe room and the Queens' megaron.
Stop 12 - Hall of double axes
Go back and stand in front of the colonnades painted in black colour in order to reach the Royal apartments of the palace. Here, we are facing the King’s apartments, also known as the double-axes room or the Megaron of the King. It was the largest room in the palace.As you enter this remarkable chamber, you can feel the air thick with mystery and reverence.The Hall of Double Axes, also known as the Pillar Crypt, is a small, rectangular room adorned with unique and intricate architectural features. Its walls are decorated with vivid frescoes, depicting scenes of religious significance and symbolic motifs. These vibrant paintings serve as a testament to the spiritual and ceremonial importance of this sacred space.Three doors illuminate the room of the double axes. In the background, you can see a part of the water drainage system, used for the bathroom. Yes, we’ve heard it right. In the Royal apartments, there were bathrooms. On the walls, we see several shields in the shape of the eight as well as symbols of double axes. The double axes were secret symbols very present in the palace. It represented power and religion. Strangely enough, this symbol was also found among the ancient Greeks, ancient Egypt, and the Persians. For example, among the ancient Greeks, the double axes became the symbol of Zeus. As a reminder, according to legend, Zeus was born and raised in Crete. For the next visit, we will go just a few meters away to the workshops.
Stop 11 - Queens’ megaron
We are standing in front of the Queen's apartment, also called the Megaron of the Queen.Through the windows, we can see the fresco of the dolphins, which is very famous and was reconstructed by Evans. The original is exhibited in the Museum of Heraklion. In reality, the fresco covered only the ground and not the wall. The naturalistic aspect of the aquatic motif, which seems to perfectly fit here, as well as the stunning quality of movement in the depiction of the dolphins, beat witness to the high level of craftsmanship of Minoan artists. The “Fresco of the Dolphins” is a fascinating masterpiece, either for its undeniable decorative value and for its remarkable effect of movement.Through the different rooms we visited, one can notice that Minoan art is a feminine style with representations of flowers, nature, and women. There is almost no representation of battle scenes. It is, for this reason, that researchers think that this civilization was somewhat of a matriarchal influence. The skeletons analysis of Minoan men and women confirms this hypothesis. They reveal that women suffer from many diseases, such as osteoporosis. They worked a lot, and men's life expectancy was about 28 years and 35 years. Only an elite group of women of the aristocracy exited 35 years of age.Let's go back to the Megaron and take a look at the small room on the left. This is the Queen's bathroom. The lack of pipes implies that the tap was filled and emptied manually.Our next stop is the hall of double axes.
Stop 13 - Pottery workshop
Pass the wooden door, continue straight ahead, then left and finally straight ahead, we will be in the district of the craftsman, also called the workshop of the potter and lapidary. As you enter, the rhythmic sounds of clay being shaped and wheels turning to fill the air, creating an atmosphere of creative energy.Many Minoan artefacts have been found all over the Mediterranean. At first, the Minoan artists learned the craft technics in ancient Egypt. Then they developed their own style, like the potteries of Damaris. The artist's profession was so honoured that they lived inside the palace with their families. This side was also a school where students learned to work with clay in stone. Just next is the lapidary workshop, where the artists worked the precious stone. The craft trade was an important part of Minoan exports.
Stop 14 - The Giant Pithoi
Leaving behind us the former point, we turn left and continue straight ahead. Walk down the stairs and we will find ourselves in front of the Giant Pithoi. Behold the awe-inspiring sight of the Giant Pithoi in the storerooms of Knossos, where colossal clay jars stand as testaments to the Minoans' ingenuity and organizational prowess. These monumental vessels, known as pithoi, dominate the space with their sheer size and striking presence.They were made of clay. Some of them are more than 2 meters long and could contain 1200 kg. They are the biggest in Greece. The archaeologist Evans thought he would find some jars still containing food. Unfortunately, he broke almost all of them. They were preserved in the palace sellers. Some archaeologists believe they were used to store oil or as a reserve in case of war or famine. On some of the walls of the palace, they’re black marks. They are, in fact, oil jars that would have exploded under the fire during the destruction of Knossos.
Stop 15 - The draughtboard
Stepping up we will find the Corridor of the draught board. It is heard that the game that looks like a draught board was discovered, hence the name the Corridor of the draught board. We do not know its real name, actually. This draft board was imported from ancient Egypt. Its value was indeed significant because it was filled with noble materials like gold and ivory. The researchers think that it probably comes from a commercial exchange. This magnificent piece, which is currently exhibited at the Heraklion Museum, reveals the Minoans’ taste in luxury and beautiful objects.I also take this opportunity to draw your attention to another element concerning the palace. Take a look at the floor. You see an example of the water management system.
Stop 9 - The throne room
Get the way back and take the stairs on your right. As soon as you arrive at the central court, the vast open place in front of you, immediately turn left and here we are, at the place that lies the Throne Room, where the mighty King Minos once held court. You will recognize the entrance because it is marked with small pillars to accommodate the waiting lines. Look around and picture yourself in the presence of ancient royalty. It is said to be the first thrown in Europe. It is made of alabaster stone imported from Egypt in 1600 before our era. According to the first theory, it was the throne of King Minoas. According to the legend, the first king, Minoas, was the son of Zeus in Europa. He then transmitted his name to all the other dynasties that succeeded him. The throne room consists of two parts. In front of the throne, we also noticed the presence of a small lateral base and confirmed the secret character of this place. The Minoans prepared themselves before entering the throne room and seeing the king. But there is a second theory. Something that was not a throne because it was simply too small to sit on. This room had rather a religious function. A priest sits on a small throne with other people around the bench. Inside, the walls were decorated with a representation of a gryphon. At present, it is a copy. The original is exhibited at the Museum of Heraklion. The presence of this Griffin gives us again a third theory. Some researchers believe it is a Mycenaean piece, not a Minoan one. The Griffin is a mythical animal with an eagle’s head, a lion’s body, and a snake’s tail. This animal was often represented in the Mycenaean palaces. But it was never seen in Crete before the conquest of the island by the Myceneanas, in other words, by the ancient Greeks. So, this piece seems to give us more information about the ancient Greeks than about the Minoans.Just a few meters away from us, turning right, we will see the grand staircase.
Stop - 16 The tripartite shrine
As we are standing at the end of the corridor of the draught board, you will come to the tripartite shrine. You will recognize it easily because it is covered by a protective panel. This place has been identified as the main sanctuary of the palace. As you enter this sacred space, a sense of tranquillity and reverence envelops you.Its appearance is known thanks to a fresco that is exposed at the Heraklion museum. It shows the central courtyard and a sanctuary in three parts. Evans recognized the place thanks to the five columns, including the middle one which was higher than the others. Inside, we found writing tablets in linear be there for in the language of the Mycenaeans. In other words, the ancient Greeks. Then we also found the famous statue of the snaked goddess. She is the goddess holding two snakes in the air, with naked breasts. This statue is again visible at the Museum of Heraklion. This goddess is often represented with clothes covered with representations of mythical legends, which distinguishes her from human beings. Strangely, there are disturbing similarities with the goddess Athena. She is also represented with a snake in clothes covered with mythical drawings. If you want today in Western cities, such as Paris, you can ask and see statues of Athena with exactly the same characteristics as the snake goddess of the Minoans. For the next part, following the signs, we will visit what is called the custom house.
Stop 17 - The Myth of Theseus and the Minotaur
As we are walking and before we reach the custom house, it is crucial to tell you about the myth of the Minotaur. The story of Theseus and the Minotaur is one of the most famous and enduring myths of ancient Greece.The myth begins with King Minos, ruler of Crete and master of the labyrinth. Minos, seeking vengeance for the death of his son, imposed a terrible tribute upon Athens. Every nine years, seven Athenian youths and seven maidens were to be sent to Knossos as offerings to a fearsome creature, the Minotaur - a half-man, half-bull abomination born from Minos' wife's unnatural union with a bull.Theseus, a courageous young prince of Athens, volunteered himself as one of the tributes, vowing to put an end to the horrors inflicted upon his people. Upon reaching Knossos, he caught the eye of Princess Ariadne, daughter of King Minos. She was captivated by Theseus' determination and resolved to help him in his quest.Ariadne approached Theseus with a plan to defeat the Minotaur and escape the labyrinth's treacherous maze. She provided him with a ball of thread, instructing him to unravel it as he ventured deeper into the labyrinth, ensuring he could retrace his steps and find his way back out.With Ariadne's guidance, Theseus entered the dark and twisting corridors of the labyrinth, armed with his wits and a sword. As he navigated the maze, the echoes of his footsteps mingled with the ominous snarls of the Minotaur, drawing closer with each passing moment.Finally, Theseus came face-to-face with the Minotaur in a climactic battle. With his strength, courage, and strategic skill, he managed to defeat the fearsome creature, slaying it and freeing Athens from its dreadful curse.Following his victory, Theseus retraced his steps, following the thread Ariadne had given him, and made his way back to the entrance of the labyrinth. He emerged triumphant, accompanied by the remaining Athenian youths and maidens, and Ariadne, who had fallen deeply in love with him.However, tragedy would befall the heroic Theseus. On their journey back to Athens, Theseus and his companions made a stop on the island of Naxos. While Theseus slept, Athena, the goddess of wisdom, appeared to him in a dream, warning him of the treachery of Ariadne. Disturbed by the dream, Theseus abandoned Ariadne on the island, setting sail without her.Heartbroken and abandoned, Ariadne remained on Naxos, where she would later find solace in the arms of the god Dionysus, who fell in love with her. Theseus, meanwhile, returned to Athens, forgetting to change the ship's sails from black to white as a sign of his victory, leading his father, King Aegeus, to believe he had perished in the labyrinth. In his grief, Aegeus threw himself into the Aegean Sea, which would later bear his name.The myth of Theseus and the Minotaur serves as a testament to the triumph of courage over fear and the power of love and betrayal. It showcases the determination of Theseus, the cunning of Ariadne, and the enduring legacy of a hero who dared to face a monstrous foe and emerge victorious from the depths of the labyrinth of Knossos.
Stop 18 - Custom House
We are now at the Custom House. Step into the bustling hub of trade and commerce in the ancient city of Knossos, where the Custom House stands as a testament to the economic prowess and international connections of the Minoan civilization. As you approach the grand building, you can feel the energy of a thriving marketplace that once thrived within its walls.This place is the road's end leading directly to the seaport.Numerous shields were used to mark the goods that were found there. They were checked and marked by the customs officers of the palace square pillars and two beautiful columns. It is believed the pillars supported a large room on the first floor.I also invite you to look at the floor, which is impressively paved. The discovery of the customs building confirms the importance of the international trade of the Minoans. They were excellent navigators. We found their influence on the eastern Mediterranean area. The Minoans exported mainly olive oil and their beautiful pottery. It is also known that they had intense diplomatic activity in the Mediterranean, especially concerning the pharaoh of Egypt. Now it's time to visit the magnificent columns of Knossos. Get ready to take some lovely souvenir photos. I'll see you right then for a visit to the beautiful north entrance of the palace, next to where we are standing.
Stop 19 - North entrance
We are finally at the northern entrance, decorated with the “Bull" fresco. We indeed recognize this architectural feature because it is the most famous of Knossos. At that time during this visit, the magnificence of the palace was often mentioned.So now I am going to give you the secret of the Minoans. Look at the colour and shape. You’ll be surprised to know that they were made of wood which is called Cypresswood. The Minoans inverted the tree trunks giving this particular shape to the columns. This would be very hard, and I never rode. It was resistant to termites in water. But above all, it was available in large quantities. The Minoans, and even minibus, in no time in large quantities. In addition, the elasticity of the wood allowed it to resist two earthquakes. Many ancient constructions use this word, such as Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem, the Egyptian sarcophagus, or the definition of boat. Some of these constructions are still in good condition today. In comparison, the ancient Greeks had to spend a lot of time cutting and assembling the stones. Hence the limited size and number of constructions.
Stop 20 - The Lustral basin
Lustral basinsare found in all the Minoan Palaces. These rooms are square, tanks in the basement, or only sunken in the ground accessible by some steps, or a staircase, according to the degree of sinking. The palace of Knossos has several Lustral basins. They are often attached to a chamber, like a throne room for the mega run of the Queen we have already visited. But the one in front of you is different because it is very elaborate and completely independent. Its floor is paid in gypsum, and it has a dedicated entrance. But the actual use is unknown. We know it did not contain any water and exit, but they used unknown. We know for sure that these tanks did not contain any water. The little basin in front of you was found filled with clay vessels in stones used for religious rituals. According to the archaeologist Evans, this area was used for purification rights. According to him, visitors, or pilgrims, arriving at the northern entrance had to follow an initiation ceremony. This involved a sort of symbolic ablution. Once purified and then baptized, pilgrims were allowed to enter the main sanctuary, also known as the tripartite sanctuary that we have already visited.
Stop 21 - The Theatre
You have now arrived at what is called the theatre, but when you arrive, all you see are some simple stairs facing the royal road that we will cover right after.But in truth, we are in a legendary place in the first theatre in Europe.The famous poet Homer explains in the Iliad the deadliest build a dancing floor in the palace of Knossos as a gift for Princess Ariadne.Generated wonderful Dan Evans phone physical evidence that the theatre in front of you corresponds to the dancing floor of Ariadne mentioned by Homer There is much evidence revealing the festive events that took place here. By the way, looking at the floor around, one can only be impressed. This 3500 year old floor is a highly well-paid description, according to legend or celebration. Where you are now home, reported their beauty that they were depicted on the shield of Achilles. And according to Evans, they are the ancestors of the Athenian dances that were performed in the theatre of Dionysus in Athens. We are in the presence of the dancing floor of Ariadne, mentioned by Homer in the first theatre of Europe.
Stop 22 - Royal road
The world's first stone-paved Road was constructed in India around 4000 years before our era. It is 2000 years later that this Road appears right here. This cobblestone road is the oldest in Europe. Prior to this Road, transportation routes were for simple, beaten paths, but as early as the first Palace, the city was heavily dependent on maritime trade. The need for a fast and efficient road was growing. The Minoans decided to build a paved road, which led directly to the Sea Port of Knossos.The engineers had even conceived rainwater drainage on each side because the trade must never be interrupted. The life of the city was organized around this new Road, the inhabitants' houses, and the shops in various workshops of productions. We are coming to the end of the tour. I hope you have helped you with this immersion in this incredible Minoan civilization. Don’t forget that mini-audio bonuses are available. You can listen to them by the pool or in your hotel room to leave the side, go back, and follow the exit sign just after the theatre. Through the side, you have returned to the menu, an error and discover the secrets of this beautiful civilization. Thank you for trusting me with your visit today. I wish you a nice day and a pleasant holiday in Crete.
The End
We hope you have enjoyed this tour of Knossos Palace. If you have time for more sightseeing in Crete, we definitely suggest you visit the Heraklion Museum where the numerous finds from the palace, all of exceptionally high-quality art, pottery, vessels, figurines, the archive of Linear B tablets, and the original wall paintings, are housed.Thanks for joining us, and enjoy the rest of Crete!
Stop 8 - The Room of Minoan Frescoes
Going north, we cannot miss a room restored by Evans which contains copies of the Minoan frescoes whose originals are on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. These frescoes give crucial information about the life of the Minoans. They are one of the few sources of information to understand the civilization. As a reminder, the writing of the Minoans called the linear A, has yet to be disaffirmed.If we look at the copies carefully, we can see how Evans restored them from the very few pieces of plaster found during the excavation. Let’s talk about some of them.The first one is the “Sacred blue monkeys” fresco right here. Minoan frescoes are characterized by elegant lines and brilliant colours, as well as movement. The Minoans’ close contact with Egypt had, for sure, an impact on their depictions and artistic conventions. In fact, the choice of blue colour used for the depiction of monkeys in ancient Egypt is also present in Minoan art. It is thought that monkeys really existed in Minoan Crete, as well as lions, and it seems that our banana-lovers friends enjoyed some sort of sacred status at that time.We continue with the “Ladies in Blue” fresco that gives a lot of information about the Minoan women’s fashion that was designed to accentuate full hips, slender waists, and prominent breasts. Minoan women wore long robe-like dresses held at the waist by girdles wound twice round and a dress top with short and tight sleeves in the style of a modern t-shirt but with a deep slit at the front right down to the navel. They could cover their breasts or display them as was the custom during religious ceremonies. Their hats were rather impressive.Last but not least is the “Bull Leaping Fresco”. Bull games are known all around the world but probably the oldest one was held in Knossos and the proof is the bull-leaping fresco right here. Dating back to around 1400 BC, it was found in fragments by Evans who completely reconstructed it. Bull-leaping was a fascinating religious event with the participation of teams of bull dancers who rehearsed their feats for the benefit of crowds of spectators. The audience would safely stand behind partitions on the sides of the central court. Some acrobats distracted the bull by turning somersaults. Bull grapplers hurled themselves onto the bull’s horns to make the animal lower its head. This was the moment when the bull-leaper might dive between the horns to land first on the bull’s back and then on his feet behind the bull. A team of acrobats or a platform may have given him the height and momentum required to somersault over the bull.
