Malia

Malia (aka Palace of Malia) is a large Minoan archaeological site near the modern village of Malia. It was occupied from the middle 3rd millennium BC until about 1250 BC. During the Late Minoan period (1700 - 1470 BC) it was one of the largest Minoan palaces. It has been excavated for over a century.

The palace area has a diameter of approximately 600 meters. The total area of ​​the city is estimated at about 80 hectares. The first palace was probably built around 1900 BC. Evidence of even older construction has been found. Malia was destroyed by a severe earthquake between 1750 and 1700 BC. The palace complex was rebuilt on the same site just a few decades later, even larger. Most of the ruins visible today date from this second period.

Malia was destroyed again around 1450 BC, at roughly the same time as the palaces of Phaistos and Kato Zakros. Fire marks on the palace walls indicate an enemy conquest. After this destruction, Malia was used only briefly.

Most of the more recent excavations are covered by huge, transparent roofs supported by steel supports that protect them from rain.