Knossos
Also known as: Cnossus · Mint of Cnossus
- 1Knossos served as the primary center of the Minoan civilization.
- 2The site is located about 5 kilometers south of the center of Heraklion.
- 3Occupancy of the site spans from the Neolithic period to the first millennium AD.
- 4It is recognized as the largest archaeological site of its kind in Crete.
Knossos is an archaeological site and ancient urban centre in Crete, Greece.
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primary archaeological site and administrative center
Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is traditionally associated with the palace of King Minos.
Knossos is a significant archaeological site and ancient urban center located on the island of Crete. Situated within the southern periphery of Heraklion, it lies approximately 5 kilometers from the city's historic center.
Bowl with fork handles from Knossos, Early Neolithic, 6500 to 5800 BC. Also a ladle and a three-legged vessel from later periodsWikimedia Commons: File:Neolithic_pottery,_AMH,_079001.jpgThe name of Knossos written in Egyptian hieroglyphs on the Aegean place-name list of Amenhotep IIIWikimedia Commons: File:Knossos_on_Amenophis_III_Temple_in_Ancient_Egyptian.pngSilver drachm of Knossos showing the Labyrinth motifWikimedia Commons: File:Monnaie_-_Drachme,_Argent,_Cnossos,_Crète_-_btv1b8570697m_(2_of_2).jpgA bronze labrys from the Messara Plain. The double axe became one of the most recognisable symbols associated with Minoan Crete.Wikimedia CommonsRestored North Entrance of the palaceWikimedia CommonsPlan of the palace at Knossos, organised around the Central CourtWikimedia CommonsWall painting usually interpreted as showing a ceremony at or near the Central CourtWikimedia CommonsLarge storage jars, or pithoi, at KnossosWikimedia Commons The site holds immense historical importance as the largest and most prominent center of the Minoan civilization. Archaeological evidence indicates that the location was continuously occupied from the Neolithic period through the first millennium AD, reflecting its long-standing role as a hub of human activity.