Knossos

Examples of Knossos in the following topics:

• Minoan Architecture

  • The largest and oldest palace centers are at Knossos, Malia, Phaistos, and Kato Zakro.
  • The complex at Knossos  provided an example of monumental architecture built by the Minoans.
  • Knossos, along with other Minoan sites, was destroyed at that time.
  • Around 1400 BCE, the invading Achaeans destroyed Phaistos, as well as Knossos.
  • The older looks like the Palace at Knossos, although the Phaistos complex is smaller.

• The Minoans

  • Minos was associated in Greek myth with the labyrinth, which is identified with the site at Knossos.
  • The palaces at Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, and Kato Zakros were destroyed.
  • Several important palaces in locations such as Mallia, Tylissos, Phaistos, Hagia Triade, as well as the living quarters of Knossos were destroyed, but the palace in Knossos seems to have remained largely intact.
  • The "palace style" of the region around Knossos is characterized by a strong geometric simplification of naturalistic shapes and monochromatic paintings.
  • Restored North Entrance of the Knossos palace complex, with the charging bull fresco.

• Minoan Sculpture

  • The figures are similar in style and position, as seen in several bull-leaping frescoes, including one from the palatial complex at Knossos.
  • This ivory sculpture from Knossos is the only complete surviving figure from a larger arrangement and is the earliest three-dimensional representation of the bull leap.

• The Minoans

  • Evans excavated the site of Knossos, where he discovered a "palace."
  • The many rooms of the "palace" at Knossos were so oddly shaped and disordered to Evans that they reminded him of the labyrinth of the Minotaur.
  • During this time major sites on the island were developed, including the palatial sites of Knossos, Phaistos, and Kato Zakros, which were the first "palaces" or administrative centers built on Crete.

• Minoan Painting

  • The frescoes discovered in locations such as Knossos and Akrotiri inform us of the plant and animal life of the islands of Crete and Thera (Santorini), common styles of clothing, and activities practiced.
  • Fragments of frescoes found at Knossos provide us with glimpses into Minoan culture and ritual.
  • This fresco from the complex at Knossos depicts a popular fashion for Minoan women.

• Themes in Art

  • This fresco, found at the Minoan site of Knossos, makes use of the common religious and naturalistic themes found in Minoan artwork.

• Temple Architecture in the Greek Orientalizing Period

  • Minoan shrines, as seen at Knossos, were tripartite shrines fronted by three columns, while the plan of the Mycenaean king's chamber (or megaron) was appropriated for use by the gods.