Crete History

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Stories woven with the threads of time

Crete History - "the history is as colourful and enigmatic as the modern island today..."

From the Minoans of ancient times, through the miraculous discoveries of archaeology, such as linear scripts, revealing layer upon layer of civilisation, dynasties, rulers, monarchs, despots, pirates, traders, goddess worshippers, plunderers, creators, liberators, heroes and in between the stories, the pages, we find the soul of the people of Crete.

Ancient History of Crete

From 7000-3700 BC

Ancient History of Crete

From 3700-600 BC

Minoan Palaces of Crete

Ancient ruins to visit all over the island.

Knossos Palace

Knossos Crete - the birthplace of Europe

Tips for Visiting Knossos Archaeological Site

Map of Knossos

Phaistos Palace

62 km from Heraklion in central Crete.

Roadside sign 'The Palace of Malia' (image by Phileole)

Malia Crete

40 km from Heraklion in central Crete

Zakros Palace

140 km from Heraklion is located in eastern Crete

Portrait of Sir Arthur Evans by William Blake Richmond

Sir Arthur Evans Biography

The creative mind behind Knossos Palace

King Minos

The mythological King of Crete.

Vritomartis

The mythical Goddess of Crete

Castles of Crete

Dotted all around the island

History of Crete - Books

Books and resources about Cretan history

Minoan Art

The Frescoes of Knossos

Arkadi

A story of rebellion

Moni Toplou

A historic monastery in eastern Crete

Gortyna

Ruins of a Roman town 50 km south of Heraklion.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Experience

Museums of Heraklion

How to see the collections including the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion which houses artifacts from Knossos.

The Historical Museum of Crete houses modern interactive displays covering 17 centuries of stories from 330 AD to modern times.

Olous

Beneath the waters of Elounda Bay, snorkel to discover hidden remains of an ancient town.

Zeus Cave

History and myth - how to get to this cave on the slopes of Mt Ida or Psiloritis.

Crete History

Griffin Fresco from Knossos Palace

The ancient history of Crete from the pre-palatial period to the Twilight of the Goddess circa 1400 BC is rich with research riddles, conflicting theories and exquisite archaeological finds.

Stories tell us of the ancient Minoan period from 2600 to 1100 BC, the Geometric and Daedalian period 1100-620 BC, the Classical 500-330 BC and Hellenistic 330-67 BC periods and Greco-Roman period 67 BC -323 AD.

After the First Byzantine period 330-824 came the years of Arab rule between 824-961, after liberation the Second Byzantine period 961-1210 after which came Venetian and Genoan rule then Turkish rule for 400 years. Liberation came again in 1898 after many terrible and rebellious years. Unification with the modern state of Greece came in 1913.

Minoan Fresco of Women in Blue from Knossos Palace

The pantheon of Greek Gods and Goddesses weave their plots and stories over Kriti. Crete is home to many tales of strife, love, war and bloodshed. The myths, some of the earliest story-telling are still relevant and saucy today.

Travellers have long been drawn to the ancient sites and archaeological digs in Crete. Sir Arthur Evans, with his well publicised love affair with Knossos, has created a unique reconstruction of the palace, still debated by historians and locals alike.

The Minoan palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros draw thousands of curious visitors every year. Other extraordinary sites include Gortyna, Lato and Polyrinia.

Visit our dedicated pages about the ancient sites of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros.

Crete is home to extraordinary historic collections in world class museums.

The Castles of Crete

Fortezza at Rethymnon - overlooking the blue Mediterranean (image by dalbera)

The stories of Crete history are told by our beautiful and haunting castles such as Frangokastello. Dotted around the island in strategic locations that sometimes today are very isolated, the castles are in various states of ruin. Intrigue whispers from every stone of the Castles of Crete.

The Kazarma in Sitia

Minoan Palaces

Knossos Palace Site

Phaistos Palace Site

Malia Palace Site

Zakros Minoan Palance - Archaeological Site in the east of the island

Zakros Palace Site

Historic Hotels in Crete

Casa Delfino - this former mansion dates from 17th century. It has been restored and converted into an exclusive hotel with exquisite taste. From the mosaic in the courtyard, to the rooftop terrace with beautiful view over Chania harbour, everything is quality at Casa Delfino.

Tucked in behind the harbour amongst the narrow streets of old Chania, the Delfino is only a twist and a turn from the harbour with its endless ribbon of cafes and tavernas by the waterfront. With only 24 rooms and suites, this really is a peaceful piece of paradise, so stylish it has been visited by royalty such as Queen Sofia of Spain.

Theofanous 9, Chania, Crete

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Serenissima Boutique Hotel - soak up the atmosphere of the old town of Chania, eat dinner by the reflected waters of the Venetian harbour, stay in a restored boutique hotel.

This is one of our most romantic favourite places in Crete. We love the atmosphere, the character of the old streets and mosaic of architecture all cobbled together around the harbour side.

Skoufon 4, Chania, Crete

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Avli Lounge Apartments combine culinary excellence with ambience, a stunning enoteca and baraki. This exquisite combination of offerings shows the style of modern Kriti and her wondrous opulence, grounded by tastes and aesthetics centuries old. Do you want to experience the real Crete as the Goddess she is?

Avli, meaning courtyard, offers the best of Cretan and Greek hospitality and the sheer love and appreciation of life. Fresh local produce, traditional food and quality service in a breath-taking location.

Cnr 22 Xanthoudidou & Radamanthios, Rethymnon

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Kapsaliana Village Hotel is very central in the Rethymnon region. A magical, charming beautiful place - live the authentic traditional village experience. Stylish and modern, convenient as a base for walking, birding or sightseeing. Choose from a variety of accommodation options. Views to the sea, lovely local breakfasts and warm friendly service.

"An exquisite renovation of a piece of history! Beautifully restored. Each team member were so endearing and clearly really enjoyed their job. We felt very special and looked after at all times. An extremely charming experience."

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Archontiko Villa - this traditional 19th century mansion in the centre of the village of Archanes, dating from 1893, has been lovingly restored and created into the Arhontiko villa for guests. There are two studios sleeping four visitors each. This building is declared a 'Protected Historical Building'.

With every detail of the restoration attended to, from the stone work to the furniture and decoration. The result is comfortable, authentic and cozy. We often recommend this accommodation for those flying into Heraklion airport, it is close without the need to go into busy downtown Heraklion.

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Videos of the Rich History of Crete

The video below features a modern woman who reminds us of the beautiful 'Women in Blue' Fresco and takes us on a lyrical journey through Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, showing some of the most precious artifacts from all of Crete.

The video below is entitled "Unravelling Ariadne's Thread Ξετυλίγοντας το μίτο της Αριάδνης…" and takes us on a magical journey through the historic wonders of Heraklion... featuring the old harbour, the fortress, the Liondaria Fountain, the Venetian Loggia, Agios Titos, and many other features of this beautiful city, lead by an entrancing beauty 'Ariadne' and her string...into the Crete history Labyrinth we willingly follow.