EASTERN CRETE

C H A P T E R 2
Malia
Golden bee
pendant from
the Chryssolakos
cemetery at Malia
Right on the border between the
Prefectures of Lasithi and Heraklion the vast
archaeological area of Malia stretches out,
with its grand Minoan palace, second only
to Knossos and Phaestos. Tradition has it
that Malia was the residence of Sarpedon,
the younger brother of Minos and
Rhadamanthus, all born of the union of Zeus
and Europa.
Stone kernos for
ritual offerings at
the Palace of Malia
The most ancient part of the palace
dates back to the Middle Minoan period
(circa 2000 B.C.) but of that era there remain
few traces because the site was destroyed by
a violent earthquake and completely rebuilt
in around 1650 B.C.. Smaller than Knossos
and Phaestos, but for this no less interesting
in its structure and functions - religious,
political and economic - the palace complex
ceased to "live" in 1450 B.C. after a
devastating fire. The site was discovered
in 1915 by the Greek archaeologist Joseph
Hadjidakis, while from the 1950s onwards
the excavations have continued with the
French Archaeological School of Athens
under the direction of Henri van Effenterre.
Opening off the great Central Court,
with an altar set into the paving, there are
a series of rooms essential to court life
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