Knossos

Knossos (alternative spellings Knossus, Cnossus, Gnossus) islargest Bronze Age site on Crete, probablyceremonialpolitical center ofMinoan culture. Knossos, also known by its romantic name ofPalaceMinos, was discovered by Sir Arthur Evans1894. However,civil warCrete againstTurks intervened,it was not until 1900 that Evans was ablepurchaseentire siteconduct massive excavations. Assisted by Dr. Duncan Mackenzie, who had already distinguished himself by his excavations onislandMelos,Mr. Fyfe,British SchoolAthens architect, Evans employedlarge staffexcavatorsby June1900 had uncoveredlarge portion ofpalace.

The most remarkable finds weremurals that decoratedplastered walls. These sophisticated, colorful paintings portrayedhigh civilization who livedluxury. Their costumes did not resemble any previously known ancient civilization. The women's costumes featured puffed sleeves, narrow waistsflounced skirts. The costumes useddistinctive blue color which indicated sea trade withPhoenicians. The murals portrayed athletic competitions, possibly ofritual nature,which youths performed daring acrobatics onbackscharging bulls.

The centerpiece ofpalace wasso-called Throne Room. This chamber hasdramatic chair built intowall, facingnumberbenches. This room hastank which itspeculated was used as an aquarium.

Other partsthis extremely large palace include spacious apartmentsrunning waterterra-cotta pipes, flush toilets;hallsstorerooms containing huge ceramic jars usedstore grain;huge ampitheatertiersstone steps seating 200,religious shrines. The palaceabout 130 meters onsidecould well have served assource ofmyth ofLabyrinth.