Knossos, Crete 1998

The second week we rented a car, which gave us a lot more freedom to travel farther afield. One day we drove to Knossos to visit the Minoan ruins, then south to Mt. Jouchtas to see the flowers and vultures. We also visited Minoan ruins at Phestos and Agia Triada, and a Minoan necropolis at Armeni near Rethymnon.

	The ancient roadway leading into Knossos..
The ancient road leads into a large open space and up a wide stairway to a raised terrace. One could easily image the Minoan king and his courtiers enthroned there, waiting to greet the procession of dignitaries approaching along the road.
	One of several partially reconstructed buildings which help the visitor to imagine what Knossos was like. For many years archaeologists denounced Arthur Evans for his reconstructions at the beginning of the twentieth century but excavations on the island of Santorini north of Crete have shown that Evans' work was indeed correct. The palace was made up of several large courtyards surrounded by buildings with balconies and arcades.
Buildings in Knossos were multistoreyed. At least 4 levels can be seen in this photo showing one of the spacious courtyards.
	Another courtyard and some reconstructed buildings.
The palace complex also contained large storage areas with stone bins and huge jars.
	The storage jars are decorated with many different patterns.
More storage jars. The large jars are about a metre high and would need at least 2 men to carry them when full.
	The living rooms were beautifully decorated clustered around small courtyards to give them light and air.
Another brightly decorated room.
	The youth with lilies is one of the most famous wall paintings in Knossos.
More wall paintings - boys carrying jars and pitchers.
	Three court ladies.
Part of a fresco with a blue monkey.
	Another blue monkey among lilies and other plants.
Another famous wall painting in Knossos. Youths are vaulting over the back of a running bull. The palace really was a labyrinth - I looked all over for the fresco of the dolphins which I saw on our first visit, but could not find it this time.
	The hallway into the throne room.
The throne room in Knossos with stone throne.

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