Palaces
The first palaces were founded on Crete between 2000 and 1600 BC, on the sites of large settlements dating from the pre-palatial period. These were surrounded by towns organised into neighbourhoods.
With regard to architecture, the large palaces consisted of building complexes several storeys high, with courtyards, storage areas, so-called theatral areas and shrines. Such palaces have been found at Knossos, Phaistos and Malia.
In the neo-palatial period, two to five storey buildings of several rooms were built once more, along with shrines, storehouses, courtyards, stairways, apartments, baths, industrial areas and workshops, all arranged around a central courtyard. These were adorned with stone-faced walls, paving, ornate frescoes and wall and floor plastering.
Artist's impression of the palace at Knossos, 3500 B.C. - 1100 B.C.
View of the palace storerooms, 3500 B.C. - 1100 B.C. (R. Behaeddin, Vikelaia Municipal Library, Heraklion)
Panoramic view of the palace, 2003
The interior of the palace, 2003 (photograph: Vassilis Kozonakis)
The Queen's Apartment at Knossos, 2004 (photograph: Vassilis Kozonakis)
View of the palace, 2004 (photograph: Vassilis Kozonakis)
7000B.C.
3500B.C.
2000B.C.
1700B.C.
1450B.C.
1350B.C.
1150B.C.
1100B.C.
900B.C.