The history of Crete goes back to the 7th millennium BC, preceding the ancient Minoan civilization by more than four millennia. The Minoan civilization was the first civilization in Europe.
The Bull-Leaping Fresco from Knossos showing bull-leaping, c. 1450 BC; probably, the dark skinned figure is a man and the two light skinned figures are women
Goddess clay figurine. Neolithic, 5300–3000 BC. Pano Chorio, Ierapetra region, Crete. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion
Temenos fortress was built by the Byzantines after the reconquest of the island from the Arabs
Venetian propaganda during the Siege: Il regno tutto di Candia, Marco Boschini, 1651
The Minoan civilization was a Bronze Age culture which was centered on the island of Crete. Known for its monumental architecture and energetic art, it is often regarded as the first civilization in Europe. The ruins of the Minoan palaces at Knossos and Phaistos are popular tourist attractions.
Bull-Leaping Fresco found at Knossos
An Early Minoan bird-shaped vessel.
The western façade of the Palace at Knossos. Like other palaces, it was built during the Middle Minoan era but continually renovated throughout its existence.
A Marine Style vase from c. 1500 BC found in Palaikastro, and commonly known as the Octopus Vase; typical of the Late Minoan IB period that followed the eruption of Thera. It is currently in the Heraklion Museum.
