Knossos, the capital city of the Minoan world, is the most important site in Crete, and second only to the Acropolis in all of Greece. There are several known palaces on Crete, but the most important is the one at Knossos.

Exploration of this site began in late 19th century with the idea of finding what was thought to be the mythical palace of King Minos. Not mythical, but real, identified as such in 1877. Several later attempts at excavation were made, but it was Arthur Evans who arrived and stayed for 30 years at his own expense and who finally continued the work and the result is mostly what we see today.

The first palace of Knossos was built before 1700 BC, but was destroyed by a catastrophic event, probably an earthquake. A new palace was built on the site, larger and more grand, in total size about 180,000 sq ft.

This was the center of the Minoan civilization: with its great palace, five entrances, a labyrinth of 1,500 rooms over 5 levels, an efficient water supply system, the very first flush toilet, magnificent frescoes.

Photo above is the Balcony of the Guard at the highest landing of the Grand Staircase, itself a masterpiece of architecture. Behind the colonnades, frescoes of the guard's figure-of-eight shields.

The Minoan culture was advanced and developed a sophistication with beautiful art images and commercial activities of agriculture, textiles, wine and more. They had a growing fleet of ships which probably engaged in trade.

A final catastrophe came in 1370 BC, an earthquake is theorized, and the palace and Minoan culture ceased to exist, supplanted by the Mycenaen culture.