CRETE TRAVEL GUIDE

Crete Travel Guide
Irakleio Archaeological Museum
Top 10 Exhibits
1
Hall of Frescoes
The most exciting and impressive of the museum’s
displays are the lively, colourful frescoes from Knosos,
Agia Triada and other palaces. They seem to offer a real
link between the past and present.
2
Ayia Triada Sarcophagus
The elaborately painted stone coffin is adorned with
depictions of animal sacrifices, a funeral procession,
women and goddesses riding chariots pulled by slaves
and mythical beasts. It was perhaps made for a Minoan
ruler.
3
Phaestos Disc
The secret of this clay disc, embossed with symbols
believed to be the earliest example of a form of printing,
has yet to be revealed. The hieroglyphics on the disc,
which was found at Phaestos in 1903, are the earliest
known Minoan script.
4
Bull’s Head Rhyton
This 16th-century BC wine vessel is carved from
black steatite stone and has gilded horns, rock crystal
eyes and a mother-of-pearl snout. It was discovered at
Knosos and probably used in ritual.
5
Faience Figurines of the Snake Goddess
Found at Knosos, the figures carry a snake in either
hand, as do some later depictions of the goddess Astarte,
suggesting some continuity between ancient Crete and
later Hellenic cultures.
6
Jug of Reeds
With its dark pattern of reeds painted on a lighter
background, the graceful pottery jug is the finest example
of work from the New Palace era (1700–1450 BC).
7
Minoan Jewellery and Helmets
Gold necklaces, rings, earrings, seals, sword hilts
and helmets are among the treasure trove of finds from
Knosos, Phaestos and Gortys.
traveldk.com
Founded in 1937 to house the growing treasury of finds
from Crete’s newly rediscovered archaeological sites,
Irakleio’s Archaeological Museum gives a dazzling insight
into the marvels of the first sophisticated European
civilization, which flourished here more than 3,000 years
ago. Among the most famous and striking exhibits are
the frescoes from Knosos, jewellery, symbol seals and
Minoan double axes, as well as the enigmatic Phaestos
Disc, with its symbols written by people of the ancient
world.
8
Town Mosaic
Glazed tiles, each depicting multi-storey buildings
of the Minoan era, were originally part of a mural
decoration which may have graced the wall of a palace.
9
Gaming Board
A decorative gaming board, elaborately inlaid and
decorated with rock crystal, gold and silver leaf, turquoise
paste and ivory, shows that ancient Crete had a wealthy,
leisured class as well as trade links with other ancient
civilizations.
10
Miniature Figures
Doll-like figurines of people and animals look like
toys but are believed to have had a religious purpose as
votive offerings. Most were found in mountain
sanctuaries and caves, such as the Diktian (Psychro)
Cave (see Diktian Cave).
Irakleio Archaeological
Museum
Practical information
• Plateia Eleftherias/1 Xanthoudidou 711, Irakleio
• 2810 226092
• 8:30am–7pm Tue–Sun
• Adm €1.60
Top tips
• In 2001 work began on an extensive
reorganization of the museum. The creation of a
new lower floor has revealed remnants of ancient
buildings. Some exhibits, including the Giamalakis
Collection, may not be on display while the
excavations are still being undertaken.
• Plateia Eleftherias, near the museum, is now
pedestrianized and has a row of café terraces.
13
Top 10