Crete
I visited the island of Crete for a week in 2005. Crete is a popular tourist destination and was once the center of the Minoan civilization (2700–1450 BCE). The Minoan decline started in 1450 BCE with a tsunami caused by the eruption of a huge volcano at Santorini which destroyed the Minoan fleet and devastated the island; some say this was the origin of the legend of Atlantis. This disaster opened Crete for invasion by the Mycenean civilization from the Greek mainland.
I have a strong interest in archeology so I visited many of the archaeological sites including the main Minoan sites of Knossos and Phaistos as well as some secondary sites such as Zakros, Gournia, and Hanai. Knossos is close to Heraklion and the palace complex was excavated and partially restored under the direction of Arthur Evans in the 1920’s. In Greek mythology, King Minos dwelled in a palace complex at Knossos and had Daedalus construct a labyrinth to imprison his son, the Minotaur. The credibility of the palace complex restoration has been questioned, but being able to look at plaster reliefs in restored rooms, living quarters and passages helps bring into perspective the luxury in which the King lived thousands of years ago. The palace is believed to have running water, water flushing toilets and drainage for sewers, light wells to pipe natural lighting through multiple levels and air shafts for ventilation. Add electricity and you have a modern 20th century house!
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum has a spectacular collection of Minoan artifacts including many frescos from Knossos as well as the "Snake Goddess" statues, ceremonial bull heads, and famous Phaistos Disc. As you head into the countryside you should visit the Lasithi Plateaum which is a large fertile plateau used for framing located in these mountains. This is where the cave where Zeus was born is. Another popular site in Rethymno is the Venetian castle, but be sure to check out the shops and cafes. If you plan on hiking in the gorge of Samaria expect to spend a day and bring water.
Read MoreI have a strong interest in archeology so I visited many of the archaeological sites including the main Minoan sites of Knossos and Phaistos as well as some secondary sites such as Zakros, Gournia, and Hanai. Knossos is close to Heraklion and the palace complex was excavated and partially restored under the direction of Arthur Evans in the 1920’s. In Greek mythology, King Minos dwelled in a palace complex at Knossos and had Daedalus construct a labyrinth to imprison his son, the Minotaur. The credibility of the palace complex restoration has been questioned, but being able to look at plaster reliefs in restored rooms, living quarters and passages helps bring into perspective the luxury in which the King lived thousands of years ago. The palace is believed to have running water, water flushing toilets and drainage for sewers, light wells to pipe natural lighting through multiple levels and air shafts for ventilation. Add electricity and you have a modern 20th century house!
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum has a spectacular collection of Minoan artifacts including many frescos from Knossos as well as the "Snake Goddess" statues, ceremonial bull heads, and famous Phaistos Disc. As you head into the countryside you should visit the Lasithi Plateaum which is a large fertile plateau used for framing located in these mountains. This is where the cave where Zeus was born is. Another popular site in Rethymno is the Venetian castle, but be sure to check out the shops and cafes. If you plan on hiking in the gorge of Samaria expect to spend a day and bring water.
