There aren’t many places in the world like Knossos—after all, it is 9,000 years old.
Location City: Crete
The Bronze Age culture of Crete, called Minoan, is one of the most vibrant and admired in all of European prehistory.
Minoan art, an introduction
This delicate type of pottery helps us understand the far-reaching trade networks in the ancient Mediterranean.
Kamares Ware Jug
This beautifully painted sarcophagus depicts an elaborate burial ritual—was it made for royalty?
Hagia Triada sarcophagus
This hollow stone vessel in the shape of a bull's head is both frighteningly realistic and beautifully stylized.
Bull’s Head Rhyton
The exuberant procession depicted on this small but luxurious object celebrates the fruits of farming the land.
Harvester Vase
This vase with a charming image of a writhing octopus was made during the height of the Minoan sea trade.
Octopus vase
Goddess, priestess, or simply a Minoan woman? Mysteries abound in this small figurine from Knossos.
Snake Goddess
Athletic youths spring over a powerful bull—who are they, and why are they performing such a dangerous act?
Bull-leaping fresco from the palace of Knossos
This woman's striking profile has long fascinated viewers, but we know surprisingly little about who she is.
Minoan woman or goddess from the palace ...
The archaeological site of Knossos (on the island of Crete) —traditionally called a palace—is the second most popular tourist attraction in all of Greece.
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