Crete: History, Mythology, Civilization, Economy and Tourism

Crete is the most populated and largest among the islands of Greece. It has an area of 8,336 sq mi. It is located about 160 km south of the Greek mainland. And about 100 km southwest of Anatolia. Crete’s capital and largest city are Heraklion. During the Palaeolithic age, humans have inhabited the island since at least 130,000 years ago. Crete was the cradle of Europe’s first civilisation. The Minoan Civilisation was the first sophisticated society on the map of the continent. The Minoan civilisations were advanced during those times. They were able to build roads, palaces, and other structures used for social gatherings and religious activities. The economy of Crete during the Minoan civilisations focuses more on agriculture and maritime trading. After the devastation of Minoan Civilisation by the Thera eruption, Crete developed Ancient Greece, then successively became part of several empires. These empires include the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian empire, the Ottoman Empire, an autonomous state, and the modern state of Greece. The climate of Crete varies between temperate and subtropical. It has hot dry summers, and winter temperatures are mild.

The island of Crete consists of several mountains, and its character is defined by a high mountain range from west to east. The mountains have been the key features of the island’s distinctiveness. Crete has numerous gorges that most tourists and hikers are fascinated about. The island also consists of rivers and lakes. Tourism is very prominent on the island of Crete. In 2021, overall, inbound air arrivals on Crete totalled roughly 2.8 million. There are many things to do and explore on the beautiful island of Crete. There are three available airports on the island. The bus system has regular service. There are several taxi and car rental companies in the area. Travelling and exploring the island is easy. The island can cater to all its visitors’ needs ranging from hotel accommodations, gastronomic dishes, rich history and culture, archaeological sites, lovely beaches, numerous gorges for hiking, and a lot of numerous ways.  Visiting the island of Crete is very safe, especially for tourists.  One can freely explore the city and feel quite secure and relaxed. Cretans are also known for being friendly and hospitable.

What is the history of Crete?

The history of Crete dates back to the 7th millennium BC, followed by the ancient Minoan civilisation. It was the first civilisation in Europe. In the Neolithic period, some early influences on the development of Cretan culture came from the Cyclades and from Egypt. Tablets inscribed in Linear A have been found in several sites in Crete. The Minoan civilisations were advanced during those times. They were able to build roads, palaces, and other structures used for social gatherings and religious activities. The economy of Crete during the Minoan civilisations focuses more on agriculture and maritime trading. Aside from fishing, Minoans raised sheep, goats and cattle, primarily for the production of wool and milk. The Minoans also grew a variety of fruits, such as apples, pomegranates, and figs. Olives were a particularly important product because the Minoans used them to make olive oil, used in religious ceremonies. The Minoans were active in growing and using herbs for health purposes as well. Successful and extensive trade resulted in a Minoan society that was rich and based on archaeology; wealth during that time was widely shared throughout the community. Most of these products are also being exported. Minoans also are very much involved in the exchange of goods like olives, wine, and figs in exchange for minerals, and other resources like ivory and copper. Sir Arthur Evans, is an archaeologist who first discovered the palace complex of Knossos, the most famous Minoan site. Other palace sites in Crete such as Phaistos have revealed magnificent stone-built, multi-story palaces containing drainage systems. After the devastation of Minoan Civilisation by the Thera eruption, Crete developed Ancient Greece, then successively became part of several empires. These empires include the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian empire, the Ottoman Empire, an autonomous state, and the modern state of Greece.

How was Crete in ancient times?

During the Bronze Age, Crete produced the influential Minoan Civilisation with its unique architecture and art. Most of the Minoans, regardless of status or class, lived in large houses with several rooms. Aside from dining rooms, bedrooms, dining areas and others, the houses actually had bathrooms with running water and toilets. Compared to contemporaneous civilization’s homes, which were usually made from mud bricks. The Minoans’ houses were made from stone. Aside from fishing, Minoans raised sheep, goats and cattle, primarily for the production of wool and milk. The Minoans also grew a variety of fruits, such as apples, pomegranates, and figs. Olives were a particularly important product because the Minoans used them to make olive oil, used in religious ceremonies. The Minoans were active in growing and using herbs for health purposes as well. Successful and extensive trade resulted in a Minoan society that was rich and based on archaeology; wealth during that time was widely shared throughout the community. People had leisure time and devoted a good portion of it to sports, arts, and religion.

How was the first civilization of Crete?

At least 130,000 years ago, humans inhabited Crete during the Palaeolithic age. Crete was the centre of Europe’s first advanced civilisation, the Minoans, from 2700 to 1420 BC. By 3000 BCE, The Minoan Civilization, a Bronze Age culture, was emerging. The Minoan civilisation was centred at Knossos and peaked in the 16th century BCE. The Minoan civilisation produced prominent sculptures, pottery, jewellery, frescoes, and metalwork.

What is the mythology of Crete?

Mythology says that Crete was the birth land of the Greek god twins, Apollo, and Artemis. Apollo, and Artemis, just like Zeus, were considered to be the Gods that protected Crete.  In Greek Mythology, Crete may refer to several figures, all of whom are associated with the island of Crete. Crete, is the daughter of Hesperus and one of the Hesperides, another possible eponym of Crete. Crete was the daughter of one of the Cretan Curetes, who married Ammon, which was believed to have been called Idaea.  Another possible eponym of Crete is that Crete is the mother of Pasiphaë by Helios. In another version, Crete was the daughter of Asterion, who married Minos. In this version, Crete was considered the mother of Ariadne, Androgeus, Acacallis, Paedra, Glaucus, Xenodice, Deucalion, and Catreus. Crete was also believed to be the daughter of Deucalion (son of Minos), sister of Idomeneus and half-sister of Molus. A fabulous mythical creature lived in Crete, with the body of a man and the head of a bull. It is called Minotaur in Greek Mythology. The patron God of Crete was Zeus. Another famous legend in Crete is King Idomeneus, who took part in Trojan War. Together with friends, King Idomeneus leads more than 80 ships with Cretan warriors from Gortys, Miletus, Lyktos, Lykastos, Rhytium, Phaestus, and Knossos. The mythical guardian of Crete, Talos, was also one famous legend. Talos was an anthromopobic giant automaton with a copper body. Regarded as the first robot in ancient mythology, Talos, was the vigilant guardian of Crete.

Is Crete the birthplace of Zeus?

Yes, Crete was the birthplace of Zeus. According to Greek Mythology, the island of Crete was the birthplace of the father of the gods, Zeus. Zeus’ mother, Rhea, came to the island and gave birth to Zeus in Dikteon Cave. Zeus was raised by the Nymphs, drinking milk from the goat Amalthea, who became a star, and whose skin was Zeu’s shield. The father of the gods was brought up by Nymphs, and when Zeus grew to manhood, engaged Cronos (Zeus’ father) in a fight. Zeus emerged victorious and became king of the heavens.

How is the Geography of Crete?

Crete is the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest island in Greece. Crete is relatively long and tapered. It is spanned by harsh mountains rising out of the sea. The highest mountain in Crete is Mount Ida. The island of Crete is famous for its sandy and pebble-strewn beaches. It has 6 tiny rivers and springs, seasonal watercourses, and ponds. One natural freshwater lake, the Kournas lake, and many artificial lakes. The Cretan scenery is characterised by Mediterranean scrub. There are plant species that thrive in a moderate climate. Palm trees are patchy along the coasts, and cedars can be found in the east. The Crete Mediterranean Forest is a terrestrial ecoregion that encompasses the island of Crete. The island’s range of topography and soils support diverse plant communities. Crete consists of very deep, moderately well-drained soils formed in loess. The soils that occur most commonly in Crete are various kinds of clay earth and dark rocky soils on hard limestone deposits. Overall, Crete’s climate varies between temperate and subtropical, with a yearly average precipitation of about 640 mm and hot dry summers. The winter temperatures in Crete are relatively mild.

How was the city of Crete formed?

More than 500 million years ago, Crete was submerged in the Tethys Sea, and life was only marine. The sediments moved by the rivers of the coasts of Pangaea and the wind, collected, and mixed with the shells of the sea organisms, creating layers of rocks. Around 200 million years ago, Pangaea started to break apart, forming continental plates. About 70 to 55 million years ago, the plates of India, Africa, and Laurasia crashed and forced the bottom of Tethys to rise, and formed a chain of mountainous folds from Atlas and the Pyrenees to the Alps and further to the Caucasus and the Himalayas. A part of this chain reaction happened in the Balkans and Minor Asia. This is when the Dinarotauric Arrow begins forming. The mountainous arrow started at the Dinaric Alps, across the range of Haemus, along the Greek territory and ended at the Range of Taurus in Minor Asia. Current Crete was submerged in the middle of this arch. Crete was located close to the site where Africa and Laurasia plates crashed.  About 12 million years ago, the united coast of the Greek continent, Crete and Minor Asia broke apart, and Crete eventually separated 8 million years ago.

How is the Map of Crete Layout?

Crete is the largest and most populated of the islands of Greece. It is located about 160 km south of the Greek mainland. And about 100 km southwest of Anatolia. The principal cities in Crete are Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, Ierapetra, Agios Nikolaos, and Sitia.

Below is the image of a modern map of Crete.

What is the language of Crete?

The Cretan dialect or Cretan Greek is the language of Crete. It is a variety of Modern Greek spoken by the Cretan in Crete. The language has been spoken continuously for over 3,500 years. Cretan Greek is considered to be merely a dialect of the Greek language that is spoken by the people living in Crete. Like all other modern Greek dialects, Cretan evolved from Koine. It was the common supra-regional form of Greek spoken and written during the Hellenistic period, the Roman Empire, and the early Byzantine Empire. There are only pronunciation differences and different words compared to the standard Greek. A few examples are the use of “inta” instead of “ti” for “what”, “kai” sounds more like “che”, and “epae” instead of “edo” (here).  The Minoan language is the ancient language of the Minoan civilization of Crete written in the Cretan hieroglyphs, and later in the Linear A syllabary.

How was the economy of Crete?

The economy of Crete during the Minoan civilisations involved mostly agriculture and maritime trading. The extensive olive fields dominated the landscape. Crete is one of Greece’s leading regions for producing olives and olive oil. Other produce includes grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, peppers, and zucchini. Most of these products are also being exported. Minoans also are very much involved in the exchange of goods like olives, wine, and figs in exchange for minerals, and other resources like ivory and copper. They built quality roads to facilitate this trade. The Minoans also intentionally transported arts and cultural ideas into regions where they held ports.

How was the government of Crete?

The ancient Crete system of government was that of a monarchy supported by a well-organised bureaucracy. King Minos once ruled the island of Crete and lived in a palace with more than a thousand rooms, according to a myth. Around 1450 BC, the Minoan civilisation came to an abrupt and probably violent end. Crete was later ruled by Rome. Then consecutively by the Byzantine Empire, Andalusian Arabs, the Venetians, and the Ottoman Empire. At present, Crete together with its nearby islands forms the Crete Region. Under the 2010 Kallikratis plan, the powers and authority of the regions were defined and extended. The region is based in Heraklion. It is divided into four regional units. These are Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, and Lassithi. Since January 1, 2011, the region’s governor is Stavros Arnaoutakis.

How was the agriculture sector in Crete?

Ancient Greeks farmed a variety of crops and animals for food. They mainly farmed to feed their own families. Cereals, olives, and wine were the three most produced foods suited to the Mediterranean climate. The most generally cultivated crop was wheat. Ploughing and sowing were carried out from October to December. Vines were pruned back in the early spring, and grain was harvested from May to June. Grapes were harvested and made into wine during September. Olives were harvested in the autumn and pressed into oil. Equipment used in Greek agriculture was basic digging, weeding, and ploughing done by hand, using wooden or iron-tipped ploughs, mattocks, and hoes. Wealthy farmers had oxen to help plough their fields. Grapes were crushed underfoot in vats, while olives were crushed in stone presses. Nowadays, agriculture offers the biggest employment in Crete. Crete has 98,000 agricultural businesses. The extensive olive fields dominated the landscape. Crete is one of Greece’s leading regions for producing olives and olive oil. Other produce includes grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, peppers, and zucchini. Most of these products are also being exported.

How was the mining sector in Crete?

Gold does not occur naturally on the island of Crete. However, there are gold artefacts found on Crete since the Neolithic period. It was believed that during those times, Cretans imported gold from the Aegean to the eastern Mediterranean sources. Mining was not a prominent industry during ancient times in Crete. During the Minoan Civilisations, agriculture and maritime trade were the main economies in Crete.

Does Crete float before?

No, the island of Crete did not float before. More than 500 million years ago, Crete was submerged in the Tethys Sea, and life was only marine. The sediments moved by the rivers of the coasts of Pangaea and the wind, collected, and mixed with the shells of the sea organisms, creating layers of rocks. Around 200 million years ago, Pangaea started to break apart, forming continental plates. About 70 to 55 million years ago, the plates of India, Africa, and Laurasia crashed and forced the bottom of Tethys to rise, and formed a chain of mountainous folds from Atlas and the Pyrenees to the Alps and further to the Caucasus and the Himalayas. A part of this chain reaction happened in the Balkans and Minor Asia. This is when the Dinarotauric Arrow begins forming. The mountainous arrow started at the Dinaric Alps, across the range of Haemus, along the Greek territory and ended at the Range of Taurus in Minor Asia. Current Crete was submerged in the middle of this arch. Crete was located close to the site where Africa and Laurasia plates crashed.  About 12 million years ago, the united coast of the Greek continent, Crete and Minor Asia broke apart, and Crete eventually separated 8 million years ago.

How is the culture in Crete preserved?

Crete was Europe’s centre of advanced civilisation, the Minoans, from 2700 to 1420 BC. Cretans are a very distinctive clan of Greeks, with their own spirited music, and dances, remarkable traditions, and cuisines. Cretans maintain a rich connection to their culture. The important features of Minoan culture in Crete include Labyrinth-like palace complexes, fine gold jewellery, elegant stone vases, and pottery with vibrant designs. There is an existing policy in Crete and the whole of Greece that protects the cultural heritage of the island. The main legislation governing the protection of cultural heritage is Law 3028/2002, “On the Protection of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage in general” (Government Gazette 153/A/28-6-2002). The policy aims to develop a detailed system of protection regarding moveable and immovable monuments and artefacts and intangible heritage. Preservation of cultural heritage includes residential growth policies, monitoring of building activity, and construction of infrastructure works in “monument-sensitive” areas. The legislation provides that “the protection of monuments, archaeological sites, and historical places must be included among the goals at every level of land use, developmental, environmental, and urban planning.

What are the artefacts that are found in Crete?

The island of Crete is a rich land, as the cradle of Europe’s first civilisation. Crete’s colourful past is scattered all over the island. The Minoan civilization started on the island in the Early Bronze Age. During the Minoan civilisation, there were several palace complexes built on the island of Crete. One famous palace was discovered by archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. The palace of Knossos in 1900 CE. The palace was named after King Minos, who according to tradition ordered the construction of a Minoan Labyrinth in Knossos, to hold the mythical creature Minotaur. The palace of Knossos is an archaeological site located just 5 kilometres south of Heraklion. It is Crete’s most famous historical attraction. Some famous artefacts found in Crete are the Minoan Snake Goddess figurine, Bull’s Head Rhyton from Knossos, Statue Group of Persephone-Isis and Pluto Serapis with Cerberus, Phaistos Disk, Hagia Triada Sarcophagus, Minoan Frescoes, and many other historical artefacts.

What are the differences between Ancient Time Crete and Modern Crete?

The island of Crete throughout the centuries went through numerous changes of government and influences. The Mykonian, the Ancient Greek, the Roman, and the Byzantine Empire, are still visible nowadays. Crete is the land that gave birth to Europe’s first advanced civilization. The Minoan civilisation was the first example of a more modern society. During the Bronze Age, Crete produced the influential Minoan Civilisation with its unique architecture and art. Most of the Minoans, regardless of status or class, lived in large houses with several rooms. Successful and extensive trade resulted in a Minoan society that was rich and based on archaeology. Wealth during that time was widely shared throughout the community. People had leisure time and devoted a good portion of it to sports, arts, and religion. The economy of Crete during the Minoan civilisations involved mostly agriculture and maritime trading. Minoans also are very much involved in the exchange of goods like olives, wine, and figs in exchange for minerals, and other resources like ivory and copper. The ancient Crete system of government was that of a monarchy supported by a well-organised bureaucracy. At present, Crete still remains an island full of history and beautiful spots. The beautiful island is now modernised and is being governed by its present Governor, Stavros Arnaoutakis. Crete has a total population of 636, 504. Its climate straddles two climatic zones, the Mediterranean and North African. As such, the climate in Crete is primarily Mediterranean. The atmosphere can be humid, and the winter is fairly mild.

During summer, the average temperatures reach the high 20s-low 30s Celsius, with maxima touching the upper 30s-mid 40s. Nowadays, Crete’s economy is based on services and tourism. Although, agriculture still plays an important role in the economy of the island. There are now three airports on the island, and it is well served by ferries. Almost everywhere in Crete is covered by a road network, but it still lacks modern highways. Crete has an extensive bus system, with regular services across the north of the island and from north to south. Today, Crete’s tourism infrastructure caters to all tastes, including a wide variety of accommodations. Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece.

How was Transportation in Crete?

The first national road on the island of Crete was the “royal road”. It is a dirt road built about a thousand years ago, on which pedestrians and riders came and went from Sitia to Kissamos. Due to the popularity of the island of Crete as a tourist destination, there is regular transportation on the island from one place to another. There are buses available both in the urban and rural areas of Crete. Taxis in Crete can also be found anywhere, particularly in larger towns. Motorbikes and car rental companies are prominent in Crete. Most of them are located in airports, bus stations, and almost all towns. The road network in Crete connects all major towns and tourist spots on the island. In some other mountain regions, the roads are winding and can be narrow. The transportation in Crete is very convenient for tourists. There are many choices of modes of transportation to choose from. Although some roads are quite challenging in the mountain regions. Some road signs are visible but lacking in rural areas. Renting a car is always advisable when exploring the island of Crete. It provides more flexibility and faster travelling time.

What is the best vehicle for visiting Crete?

The best vehicle for visiting Crete is a large SUV like the Toyota RAV4. It is a very popular vehicle for Crete car rental companies. It has custom interior features, power and control, suitable for long drives and mountainous roads. When one travels, comfort and convenience are a must, especially when driving. The Toyota RAV4 SUV has advanced safety features, comfortable seating, and, best of all, great fuel efficiency. It is suited for groups of travellers because it has a spacious cargo area where all their luggage can fit inside. There are several car rental companies in Heraklion that offer the best prices. Car Rental Crete costs vary depending on the number of passengers, itinerary, car type, location, and duration. The average cost of renting a vehicle in Crete is around €30 to €40 per day. A car rented for a whole week will cost an average of €250. Renting a vehicle for the weekend will cost around €78. Car rental rates in Crete vary depending on the car type. There are a lot of options for tourists who wish to travel using a rented car. One can rent a car for just a day tour, or spend the whole holiday driving a rented car for a month. There are also public buses that connect visitors to the major cities of Heraklion, Rethymnon, Chania, and Agios Nikolaos. KTEL bus fares range anywhere from €2 to €11, depending on the length of the trip. Several taxi cabs are also available on the island, especially in major towns.

How many days should a person spend in Crete?

Crete is a beautiful holiday destination in Greece. It has a lot to offer its visitors. There are several ways to explore the island. One can spend a whole month on the island and still find new things to do. When one wants to explore the whole island, it is suggested to spend a minimum of 7 days. With its remarkable hospitality and exceptional cuisine, Crete is really a top destination for most tourists. If a visitor has a full week to enjoy the island, it is advisable to rent a car, to cover some longer distances and reach secluded locations. Seven days are enough to explore the fishing village of Elounda, island hopping to the famous Spinalonga Castle, and visit the town of Agios Nikolaos. There are also several interesting museums to explore and understand the rich culture and history of the island. A must-place to visit in Crete is the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion, with its intensive collection of Minoan artefacts and crafts.

How was the building in Crete constructed?

Crete island’s architecture was much influenced by the Venetians, who conquered the island in the 13th century. The Venetians built strong fortresses all around the island and created new towns. The old towns of Rethymno, and Chania both have the usual Venetian architecture consisting of high buildings with almost no balconies and arched paved streets. Venetians also built dockyards and ports, like the Venetian arsenals in Chania. The Cretan archaeological landscape is adorned with the ruins of major prehistoric palaces. The Minoans started building palaces around 1900 BC to act as religious, administrative, cultural, and commercial centres. They were built over time to inhabit low hills at strategic places around the island. The Minoan palaces were technologically advanced with expanded drainage systems, aqueducts, irrigation, and deep wells. The construction method consisted of ceramic bricks and rough stones. They are linked by mortar in the inner walls. The corners of the buildings were designed with sharply defined large rectangular blocks. There are no Minoan palaces unearthed at present that are surrounded by defensive walls.

Is there a modern town in Crete?

Yes, there is a modern town in Crete. Heraklion is a modern town located along the North coast of Crete. It is an important economic centre with a rich cultural life. Heraklion is Crete’s most populated city. There are numerous museums and other famous attractions worth visiting in the city. Heraklion is a very dynamic and vibrant city.  During the high season, numerous tourists can be seen visiting museums, dining in restaurants, and shopping. The city has made exceptional progress in the academic and technological fields over the last 20 years. The modern Heraklion has extensive facilities that can provide for all the needs of its visitors. There are several hotels ranging from small rent-room to luxury rooms. There is regular transportation in the area. Visitors may find interesting things to do in Heraklion, and it is very accessible. Heraklion is also a significant ferry dock and shipping port. Heraklion has the 2nd busiest airport in Greece.

What are the famous Archaeological Museums in Crete?

Listed below are the three famous Archaeological Museums in Crete.

• Heraklion Archaeological Museum – It is one of the oldest and most important museums in Greece. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is located in the town centre and is designed by Architect Patroklos Karantinos. It prides itself on its Minoan collection that includes masterpieces of Minoan art. Heraklion Archaeological Museum is among the 12 Most Popular Archaeological Museums in Crete.
• Archaeological Museum of Rethymno – One of the Archaeological Museums in Crete is The archaeological museum of Rethymno, located in the heart of the old town, near the harbour and the local points of interest. It is housed in the Saint Francis church, which was founded in the 16th century. The museum features amazing exhibits from the post of Rethymno that date from the Palaeolithic era, such as tools, and to the Venetian period like the gold coin of Doge Francesco Molin from 1646.
• Chania Archaeological Museum – The Archaeological Museum of Chania is located on the outskirts of Chalepa, the most predominant historic district of Chania after the Venetian urban centre. The museum was designed by Architect Theofanis Bobotis and partners. The Archaeological Museum of Chania is set out in three galleries on the ground floor and one on the upper floor. The permanent exhibition features the rich archaeological heritage of Chania over time. These artefacts highlight aspects of religion, war, entertainment, and trade.

What are the famous historical landmarks in Crete?

Listed below are the three famous historical landmarks in Crete.

• Knossos Palace – The Palace of Knossos was known to have been built during the start of the Minoan period. It is known to be a religious ceremonial place. The palace was built with carved structures and designed with colourful murals. The first palace at Knossos was built at the start of the Middle Minoan period (2000-1580 BC). It has isolated structures built around a rectangular court. Heraklion, also known as Iraklio, is a port city and the capital of the island of Crete. It is famous for the Palace of Knossos, outside the city. The archaeological site of Knossos Palace is about 20,000 square metres and has over 1,500 rooms.
• Spinalonga Islet – The Spinalonga Castle is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is located in the Gulf of Elounda in north-eastern Crete. One of the strongest fortresses on the island by the Venetians. Spinalonaga may be the only castle in Greece where its modern history is far more interesting. The strategic location of the fortress protects the bay of Elounda, an important part of the Venetian sea trade. The name of the island came from the Latin words “Spina” and “lunga”. Today, the island is a popular tourist attraction, and it is among the 10 Best Historical Landmarks in Crete. Spinalonga, in Crete, is known for its pebbled dainty beaches and shallow waters.
• Moni Arkadiou Monastery – The Moni Arkadiou Monastery is located southeast of Rethymnon, on the island of Crete. It is an Eastern Orthodox monastery. The Moni Arkadiou Monastery played a significant role in the history of Cretan resistance to Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt of 1866. According to tradition, the monastery was founded by a monk called Arcadius. The place where the monastery is located was first developed in ancient times. One must visit the historical monastery to understand the rich history of Crete and how they fought for their independence. How to visit Moni Arkadiou Monastery in Crete?  The monastery is situated on a rectangular, lush plateau on the northwest side of Mount Ida in Crete.

What are the ancient cities in Crete?

Listed below are the three famous ancient cities in Crete.

• Archanes – Achanes Temenos is located 15 kilometres south of Heraklion, and 10 kilometres south of Knossos. It never had its currency, but there were coins of Knossos that have been found in the area. Archanes is one of the most important areas in Minoan archaeology. Archana was the linchpin between Knossos, the temple on top of Mount Giouchtas, and the cemetery of Phourni, where the royal family were buried.
• Kaunos or Kaudos – The island of Gavdos. The area has been declared an archaeological site. The earlier relics on the island belong to the Neolithic period. There has been evidence that Kaudos was once inhabited because up to now it has been spotted in 63 archaeological locations. Gavdos is among the 14 Ancient Cities in Crete.
• Cydonia – Cydonia was the third-largest city in Crete. It was located where the city of Chania is now built. According to stories, Minos, son of Apollo or Hermes and Acacallis, daughter of Minos, or son of Tegeates, was the founder of the city. Cydonia is one of the Ancient Cities of Crete.

Last updated on October 10th, 2024