헤라클리온(Heraklion). 크레타(Crete) (영문 안내문)

헤라클리온(Heraklion). 크레타(Crete). 그리스(Greece)

 

 

The island of Crete is the Mediterranean's fourth & Greece's largest island. Iraklio (Heraklion) with a population of over 100,000 the biggest town, port & airfield is the usual starting point for an exploration of the fabulous Minoan palaces & it is the islands capital

 

On the eve of the year 1900, Sir Arthur Evans discovered the Minoan Palace of Knossos & what was to become the Minoan civilization. Settled upon the isle of Crete & named after the mythical Cretan King Minos, Evans discovered both an influential civilization with extensive trade routes covering such vast territries as Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Afghanistan & Scandinavia, & the birthplace of ancient Greece as well

 

Venetian Harbour

The fame of the city as a centre of arts & culture under the Venetian rulers gave its name to the island that in the medieval times was known as Candia. The Venetian Walls of Heraklion with a length of 4 Kms & 7 ramparts still standing today are the most important fortifications in Greece. The Walls end in the Rocca al Mare, pictured here.

 

IRAKLIO/HERAKLION: From the port the town rise's overhead, & you can cut up the stepped alleys for a direct approach to Platia Eleftherias (Liberty Square) & the tourist office. The easiest way to the middle of things though is to follow th coast road to the right of the port & then up Odhos 25 Avgoustou which will be on your left hand side. 25 Avgoustou leads up to Platia Venizelou. This is crowded with Heraklions youth & outdoor cafes & travelers who have arranged to meet in "Foutain Square".

The fountain itself built by Venetian governor Francesco Morosini in the seventeenth century (1628) incorporates four lions. which were some 300 years old even then.

 

The square was intended to be a replica of the Piazza San Marco in Venice, therefore the supporting lions & mythological scenes decorating it. The water was brought by an aqueduct from Mount Youktas, some 15 Kms from the city.

 

Morosini Fountain

From the Platia you can head up Dedhalou, a pedestrian street full of tourist shops & restaurants, or continue on 25 Avgoustou to a major traffic junction.

To the right. Kalokerinou leads west out of the city, the market lies straight ahead, & Platia Eleftherias is a short walk to the left up Dhikeosinis.

 

The Palace of Knossos

The most important Minoan site excavated on Crete. In this picture, you can the North Propylaeum gate of the Customs House believed to have been the entrance point of the traded goods, which came via sea.

The palatial centre offers scientific proof through archaeological finds of a prosperous, advanced civilization inhabiting Crete between 3000-1400 BC. The Minoan civilization was so called after the legendary King Minos & was based on sea power & sea-born trade with Egypt, Asia Minor & Mesopotamia.

The Palatial centre at Knossos was first built in 2000 BC & after 300 years destroyed by an earthquake. The second palace was immediately rebuilt on the same site (1700 BC), but again destroyed around 1500 BC. The excavated site revealed ruins of the two palaces, as well as Europe's first amphitheatre, evidence of the earlist drainage system known, & the first flush toilet in history.

 

The Myth of Knossos & King Minos

In mythology KIng Minos was the ruler of Knossos. He was born from the union of Zeus & Europa. His wife Pasiphae bore a monster, half-bull & half-man, the Minotaur. He was imprisoned in an underground labyrinth designed by Deadalus. Young people form Athens were brought to the labyrnth of Knossos as human sacrifice, until the day Theseus arrived & managed to kill the beast with Ariadne's (daughter of King Minos) help.

 

When returning home, Theseus, in his excitement, forgot to change the sails on the ship from black to white. The King of Athens saw the black sails. Thinking that his son's plan failed & that Theseus was dead, the king flung himself into the sea & died

 

- Louis Majesty 선박에서 제공한 영문 안내문에서 -

 

 

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