Greek Islands May 2018

The Throne Room at Knossos Palace is popularly thought to have been the place where the kings of the Minoan civilisation sat in state. It could equally have been a room dedicated to religious purposes, perhaps the main shrine in the Palace. This might explain the low ceiling and sense of mystery. The throne would have been where or a priestess representing the deity sat. (Minoan religion appears to have been founded on a mother goddess figure.) The Knossos Palace remains are sited just south of modern day Heraklion in Crete. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation and in mythology was the residence of King Minos. These are remains of the second palace on the site, which lasted from about 1700 to 1350 BCE.

The Knossos Palace remains are sited just south of modern day Heraklion in Crete. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation and in mythology was the residence of King Minos. It is noted for its use of luxury materials, complex 'labyrinthine' architectural plan, advanced building techniques (including measures against earthquake damage and drainage that still works) and impressive size. These are remains of the second palace on the site, which lasted from about 1700 to 1350 BCE. The 'North Propylaeum' is the North Entrance to the Palace and it is located at the end of the road from the harbour.

The Knossos Palace remains are sited just south of modern day Heraklion in Crete. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation and in mythology was the residence of King Minos. It is noted for its use of luxury materials, complex 'labyrinthine' architectural plan, advanced building techniques (including measures against earthquake damage and drainage that still works) and impressive size. These are remains of the second palace on the site, which lasted from about 1700 to 1350 BCE. The Grand Staircase is in the east wing of the Palace. It was once thought to have led down stairs to the royal apartments, but recent opinion holds that the rooms below would have been too gloomy for royal occupation. There are 54 stairs, remarkably well preserved.

An old tree which appears to be half dead, half alive. At the Knossos Palace on the Island of Crete.

The Knossos Palace remains are sited just south of modern day Heraklion in Crete. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation and in mythology was the residence of King Minos. These are remains of the second palace on the site, which lasted from about 1700 to 1350 BCE. This ramp lies at the end of the road from the sea. Its narrowness is believed to be for security reasons. The rest of the site does not suggest that smallness was important to Minoan architects.

This is one of the oldest and best preserved ancient roads in Europe. It originally ran from the sea, through the town, to the Palace. The Knossos Palace remains are sited just south of modern day Heraklion in Crete. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation and in mythology was the residence of King Minos. These are remains of the second palace on the site, which lasted from about 1700 to 1350 BCE.

This high rock wall has been created by erosion. The cave like openings are the channels where underground rivers used to run.

A place of great strategic importance for many centuries, Spinalonga island became a home for leprosy sufferers in the early 20th century. It is now uninhabited and a venue for tourists who reach it from the mainland by boat.

A place of great strategic importance for many centuries, Spinalonga island became a home for leprosy sufferers in the early 20th century. It is now uninhabited and a venue for tourists who reach it from the mainland by boat. The mainland of Crete is in the distance.