The second most popular archaeological site in Greece, Knossos features impressive remains of a Bronze-Age Minoan “palace”.

Crete is the largest island in the Aegean Sea and dotted with archaeological sites, including many that date back to the Bronze Age.

It’s a long climb up the mountain to reach the Psychro Cave in Crete. Visitors who don’t want to walk up to the archaeological site can make use of the local donkey train. (Some animals used on the path are mules, i.e. a cross between a horse and a donkey.)

This basilica in Gortyna, Crete, was dedicated to the first Bishop of Crete, St Titos. It was founded in the sixth century AD, during the reign of Emperor Justinian (527-565). It replaced an earlier basilica of the fifth century AD. An earthquake in 620 virtually destroyed it, so that it had to be rebuilt.

A view across Quartier Mu in Malia, part of the ancient Bronze Age town that once surrounded the court complex (“palace”). The modern roof preserves the site from the elements.

The “Throne Room” at Knossos, heavily restored by Arthur Evans. It has been dated to the time of the presumed “Mycenaean” (mainland) takeover of Knossos (Late Minoan II). It is not clear if this room was really used by a king instead of a priest or priestess.

Most of the objects recovered in archaeological excavations are broken. Sometimes this breakage is intentional. In Early Iron Age Greece, particularly the tenth and ninth centuries, intentionally destroyed weapons were deposited in burials.