Political History

To a great extent, the political history of Crete is a condensed version of the events and historical course of the entire Eastern Mediterranean. The island was at times a single state entity, at times divided into competing city-states that frequently clashed with one another, and at times part of larger state formations. Periods of peace and prosperity gave way to those of violence and brutality, and times of extroversion and mutual influence with other cultures were succeeded by those of isolation and introversion. The island's geographical location was in any case a factor rendering it receptive to historical developments.

Despite the many changes marking the island's course through time, the city of Heraklion was the capital city and seat of administration from the time of the Arab conquest up until the mid-19th century. This fact marked the town's image and character.