The Palace of Knossos in Crete is considered the prototype of the mythical labyrinth of King Minos, where he hid the terrible Minotaur. When the legend about this monster was recorded, the building was already destroyed a long time ago, and everyone had already forgotten about the Minoan civilization. For this reason, the palace itself began to be considered something fictional, unrealistic. This continued until the moment when, in 1878, Minos Kalokerinos drew attention to the hill. During excavations, the archaeologist discovered storage facilities that were part of the complex of the royal palace. At that time, Crete was occupied by the Turks, so the study of ancient civilizations was postponed until better times.
The Palace of Knossos in Crete was once again in the spotlight in 1894 when Arthur Evans learned of it. He bought the land in the area of the alleged location of the building and in 1900 began excavations. Humanity has not known such large-scale discoveries for a long time, literally every day archaeologists found something new. Many statues, frescoes, bronze vessels, playing boards, stonevaz. Answers to many questions were found, but there were also blank spots in the history of the Minoan civilization. For example, so far, researchers have not been able to decipher linear letters.
Evans decided not only to carry out large-scale excavations, but also to partially restore the Palace of Knossos in Crete. Photos of this building can now be seen on many postcards, in guidebooks. Although Evans was criticized by his contemporaries, it is thanks to the colossal work done by him that we can look into the past and learn a little about the life and culture of the ancient people who lived in 1900 BC. e. What Evans restored is already the second palace built in 1450 BC. e., the first was destroyed by a strong earthquake.
It is very difficult to study the culture of people who lived many millennia ago, but nevertheless the archaeologist succeeded. The palace of Knossos in Crete was not only the dwelling of the king, dignitaries and priests, it was also the administrative and economic center of the city of Knossos, in which about 90,000 people lived at that time. The palace was built 5 km from the modern capital of the island - Heraklion. Its dimensions were 180 x 130 m and contained about 1000 rooms, warehouses, sewage system, courtyards and halls.
The Minoans did not adhere to symmetry, so the Palace of Knossos in Crete resembles a labyrinth, from which only those who knew its layout well could get out. It was especially easy to get lost in the utility rooms located on the lower floors. The image of a double ax is very often found on the walls -labrys. Most likely, it was a sacred symbol among this people, so there is an opinion that the word "labyrinth" comes from the Lydian "labrys", but these are only assumptions.
Everyone who wants to get acquainted with the ancient Minoan civilization and learn some of its secrets, to understand the culture and traditions of this people should come to the address: Knossos Palace, Crete, Greece. This is the main attraction of the island, making an indelible impression on visitors. Archaeologists have solved many mysteries, but it cannot be said that everything is clear. The Minoan civilization holds many secrets, and whether we find out about them, only time will tell.
