The Palace of Knossos

The Capital of the Minoan Crete, Knossos Palace was the largest and most splendid of all the palaces on the island. It had over 100 rooms, flushing toilets and modern drainage systems. The palace was according to legend to be the underground prison of the Minotaur, half man; half bull the son of Pasiphae, the wife of King Minos.

Knossos was built circa 1900bc. The first palace was destroyed by a earthquake in circa 1700bc. and quickly rebuilt. The ruins seen today are of the second palace, the palace was restored by Sir Arthur Evans between 1900 and 1929. His restoration has been the subject to criticism in the academic circles. The restoration gives the visitors a impression of life in the Minion times.

You enter the palace by the West Court the original ceremonial entrance; on your left you will see circular pits (koulouras) which were used to store grain. Further along are the West Magazines, where large storage jars (pitboi) were stored. To the right of the west court is the Corridor of Procession the frescoes on the walls show gift bearers, which reflect the ceremony of state and other events that occurred at the palace.

More frescoes are to be seen along the South Propylon. Steps lead up to the Piano Nobile which were probably the site of the state rooms and reception halls. Vases found here were used in religious ceremonies, In the Throne Room ritual bathing was taken in a sunken bath (lustral basin). From the Throne Room you ascend the steps to the Central Court; this area was once paved and surrounded by buildings.

The Royal Apartments are to be found to the east of the Central Court, the apartments were built into the hillside and entered by the Grand Staircase. The Queens Megaron had such modern day luxuries such as a en suite bathroom with abath made of clay. The walls were richly decorated with frescoes.

The Hall of the Royal Guard were decorated with a shield motif, this was a heavily guarded area to protect the way into the Royal Apartments. The Kings Megaron, also known as the Hall of the Double Axes, These apartments could be divided into several areas by doors. The North Entrance which leads to the Central Court is adorned with a replica of the Charging Bull. Further along you come to the North Pillar Hall also known as the Custom House, where merchants had there goods inspected and probably paid a fee to the palace treasury. To the west lies the North Lustral Pool, it is led to believe that anointing rituals were held here.