HISTORIC CRETE

Crete’s history is lost in deepness of time where myths and legends are mixed with reality. The islands location was important to its historic development in the exchange of cultures, in the southeast area of the Mediterranean.

The first sign of human occupation was in the early stone age (ca. 7th centuries before Christ). Archaeological research shows Crete was the centre for a civilisation much older the Homeric era. Crete has been invaded by successive conquers, which resulted in battles and catastrophic consequences for the island. Through all these trials tribulations the island has survived which is reflected in personalities of the Cretan people today. In the middle of the 19th centuries archaeological excavations started. In 1878 they localised the site of Knossos palace. Excavations reach its zenith after the Second World War, which gave a clearer picture of life on Minoan Crete.