Knossos

Yesterday we saw many artefacts found at Knossos, today we went to discover the largest Bronze Age archaeological site which has been called Europe's oldest city.

Rebuilt part of the palace

The palace of Knossos was once the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilisation and culture.  In its peak, the palace and surrounding city boasted a population of 100.000 people shortly after 1700 BC.

Restored North Entrance ...

... with charging bull fresco

Throne Room ...

... reconstructed by Evans

Concrete replacing the former wooden beams of the construction

In 1900 Arthur Evans, an English archeologist, began systematic excavations at Knossos, which lasted until 1914. He had sufficient funds to fulfil his lifelong dream of excavating the palace.

Parts of the ruins were reconstructed by Evans into buildings, adding them to the shape he thought was the original one, which caused much criticism even then. 

Beautiful pithoi, or storage jars

Monumental stair case

Columns once from tree trunks and wooden beams had been replaced by concrete 

Bronce age brought to life with a lot of imagination - that was our impression