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HISTORY & CULTURE<br />
Crete is a perfect destination for those wishing to discover history and culture.<br />
Witnessing everything that has survived from the Minoan period gives us an idea<br />
of the culture that flourished in Crete, much of which remains today.<br />
The main architectural settlements to visit are the palaces at Knossos, Phaistos, Malia<br />
and Zakros. The extraordinary labyrinth palace of Knossos, the legendary home of the<br />
Minotaur, emits a strong sense of Minoan mythology and a connection to the mythical<br />
history of the Greek heroes. Whilst known as palaces, the <strong>com</strong>plex structures appeared to<br />
have been centres of local administration or religious gathering areas.<br />
Mount Juktas, located close<br />
to the wonderful ancient<br />
village of Archanes, famous<br />
for its outline resembling that<br />
of a profile of a man, said<br />
to be Zeus. The mountain<br />
has a significant religious<br />
importance in history as the<br />
location of the Anemospilia<br />
temple, and peak sanctuary<br />
for Minoans where sacred<br />
religious ceremonies and<br />
rituals were carried out.<br />
The ancient cemetery of Fourni was a necropolis in Minoan times, while not open to<br />
the public, the guard will allow partial viewings. It is particularly interesting due to the<br />
discoveries including the sarcophagus of a Minoan queen containing over 140 pieces<br />
of jewellery. These interesting treasures from the cemetery and other artefacts from<br />
the Minoan civilization including ceramics, beautiful paintings and frescoes, sculptures<br />
dedicated to the gods and kings of the time, may be viewed at the Archaeological<br />
Museum in Heraklion.<br />
The excavations and research of art and culture of Crete during the Minoan civilisation<br />
provides evidence of the beginnings of Crete society and how it has evolved and shaped<br />
the rich and interesting society today.<br />
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