Knossos

Quick Facts: Who was Knossos?

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Knossos

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Major Minoan palace complex in Crete; center of early advanced civilization.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Knossos (; Ancient Greek: Κνωσσός, romanized: Knōssós; Greek: Κνωσός, romanized: Knōsós; Linear B: 𐀒𐀜𐀰 Ko-no-so) is an archaeological site and ancient urban centre in Crete, Greece. It is located within the southern periphery of Heraklion, about 5 km (3.1 mi) south of the city's historic centre. The site was occupied from the Neolithic period into the first millennium AD and became the largest and best-known centre of the Minoan civilisation. Knossos is widely considered Europe's oldest city. Settlement on Kephala hill began around 7000 BC, making Knossos one of the earliest known Neolithic settlements on Crete.

Career & Major Achievements

Its expansion into an urban centre accelerated at the beginning of the second millennium BC. Knossos became a leading centre of the Minoan civilisation, widely regarded as Europe's earliest advanced civilisation. Occupation of the valley continued through the Greek, Roman and early Byzantine periods. The site is dominated by the monumental Palace of Minos. Like other Minoan palaces, the complex is generally interpreted as an administrative, economic, religious and ceremonial centre.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Its role as a royal residence is debated. The first palace was built around 1900 BC on a hill that had already been occupied for several millennia. It was rebuilt and expanded after a major destruction around 1700 BC and remained the central monument of Knossos into the Late Bronze Age. A major palatial destruction is conventionally dated to about 1350 BC, although the chronology of the palace's final destruction remains debated. Knossos is closely associated with the Greek myths of Minos, Pasiphaë, Ariadne, Theseus, Daedalus, Icarus and the Minotaur.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1350: 1350 Milestone — A major palatial destruction is conventionally dated to about 1350 BC, although the chronology of the palace's final destruction remains debated.
2. 1700: 1700 Milestone — It was rebuilt and expanded after a major destruction around 1700 BC and remained the central monument of Knossos into the Late Bronze Age.
3. 1900: 1900 Milestone — The first palace was built around 1900 BC on a hill that had already been occupied for several millennia.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Knossos

True or False: “The earliest known settlement at Knossos dates to the Bronze Age, not the Neolithic period.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Archaeological evidence confirms that the earliest known settlement at Knossos dates back to approximately 7000 BC during the Neolithic period.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Knossos