History
This island's fertile soil and towering peaks witnessed the development
of one of the most important civilizations on Earth, the Minoan (2800
- 1150 BC). In successive phase, the Minoans built palace-states -
the famous palatial centers of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros
(1700 - 1450 BC).
A geological catastrophe - the eruption of the volcano of Santorini
in 1450 BC - halted the Minoan civilization at its height. But life
did not cease. Through shipping, commerce and trade with other peoples
- the Phoenicians, Syrians, Egyptians - opened up new horizons.
With the invasion of the Achaians and the Dorians on the island the
new cities of Lato and Aptera were founded. Lato became the most important
city on Crete (7th century BC). Until the Roman occupation (69 - 330
AD). The most distinguished center in those days was Gortyn. But Christianity
came to the island early. During the Byzantine era the wealth of Crete
was shown off in the mosaic floors of its basilicas and in half the
churches of Greece. But many others had their eye on these riches.
First Crete fell into the hands of the Arabs (824) for one and a half
centuries (961). Handak, present-day Iraklio was founded. Then in
1204, the island passed to the Venetians. They fortified the old castles
at Handak and built new ones at Gramvoussa, Spinalonga, Frangokastello,
Ierapetra, and Paleohora.
They broke the ground for new cities (Hania and Rethimno) and built
the fortifications essential to their defense. Inside the walls the
cities developed with narrow, convoluted alleyways and small residential
blocks, interspersed with decorative piazzas, fountains, churches
and palaces, remains of which can still be seen today. Although the
island was shaken from time to time by the rebellious populace, it
continued to develop both economically and culturally.
Painting and literature flourished. Domenicos Theotocopoulos (El Greco),
Damaskinos and other iconographers painted exquisite portraits of
the Virgin and Christ. Under the vaulted gates and arched windows
troubadours passed singing ballads by Hortantzis about the suffering
of Erotokritos and Erophili. In 1645 the Muslim conquerors set foot
on the island for the first time. In 1669 the whole of Crete fell
to the Turks. Not until 1913 was the island united with the rest of
Greece. |
 |
|
|
 |
