Phaistos, Archaeological site in Tybakio, Crete, Greece.
Description
Phaistos is a large palace complex perched on a hill with multiple floors, wide stone staircases, and spacious courtyards. The structures reveal workshops, storage areas, and gathering spaces, all built to fit the sloped terrain.
History
Construction of the first palace began around 1850 BCE and continued through several rebuilding phases over centuries. A major earthquake around 1400 BCE destroyed the complex and it was never rebuilt as a palace.
Culture
The remains show how Minoans organized their daily lives, with spaces for feasts, religious rituals, and administrative meetings. Walking through the palace, you can see how different areas connected and what activities took place in each part.
Practical
The site sits on a steep hillside, so bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water for your visit. Early morning or late afternoon visits work best, as the heat can be intense and crowds tend to be smaller during these times.
Did you know?
A mysteriously inscribed clay disc found here displays symbols arranged in a spiral pattern and dates to around 1500 BCE. Its meaning remains unsolved to this day, making it one of archaeology's greatest puzzles.
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