Knossos, Minoan archaeological site in Crete, Greece
Knossos is dominated by the Palace of Minos, a multilevel complex of roughly 1.5 km2 urban area built around a central court, with monumental entrances, staircases, magazines, reception rooms, light wells and drainage systems. Its walls were made of limestone and gypsum, and the upper storeys were carried on columns of cypress and stone. The partly reconstructed sections show four deep-red columns with black bases and capitals beneath a beam set with pale discs.
Settlement traces on the hill reach back several millennia before the common era. The large structure arose around 1900 BCE and was later modified several times, until fire destroyed the complex around 1350 BCE.
The name Knossos is attested in Linear B as Ko-no-so, and later Greek tradition turned the palace's complex plan into the myth of the Labyrinth, home of the Minotaur. The wall paintings now on view are reconstructions, not originals; the excavated originals are held in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Walking through involves uneven paths and partly restored staircases, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Shade is scarce in open sections, so visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can be more comfortable.
Clay pots buried below ground served as pipes, with tapered joints controlling water pressure and preventing blockages. This technical solution worked without pumps or external force over long distances inside the complex.
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