EASTERN CRETE

C H A P T E R 1
The Diktaion Antron was also a sacred site
for King Minos of Knossos, who every nine
years descended into the cavern to receive
laws directly from Zeus.
All around the plateau, amid low
vegetation and scented bushes of broom
and thyme there are to be found small
villages, some inhabited, others abandoned,
lying beneath the slope of the mountains
like birds' nests. An excursion on the Dikti,
starting from the village of Katofigi, leaves
one breathless: lunar landscapes of silver
rocks, isolated trees with majestic crowns
and rough, stony outcrops alternate with
steppe-like terrain and low
vegetation from which
sheepfolds spring up. At times
one's way is barred by fencing
and gates tied shut with knotted
ropes to keep in the livestock:
they can be opened on the
condition that one is scrupulous
in closing them again to prevent
the animals from wandering.
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