The island of Crete is a picturesque corner of Greece.

Prehistoric era

The tools of ancient man found on Crete suggest that more than 130 thousand years ago Neanderthals arrived on the island by sea.

Since 1900 BC. e. The construction of the first palaces begins in Crete, which was a consequence of the highest economic prosperity that the island has known. According to archaeological excavations, the palaces of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Kato Zakros belong to this era. The most important find of the ancient palace period is the Phaistos disk (1700-1600 BC). The end of this period is considered to be the powerful Minoan eruption on the island. Santorini, which caused the destruction of the largest palaces.

Strong waves wiped out coastal cities, destroyed the fleet, isolating it from the outside world, ash obscured the sun, caused a cold snap and destroyed agriculture. As a result, a terrible famine broke out, leading to the destruction of the social structure and the usual way of life.

For a long time, a theory dominated among researchers of Crete, the author of which was the Greek archaeologist S. Marinatos. According to this theory, the eruption on the island of Santorini marked the end of the pre-Greek Minoan civilization, weakened the island and was one of the main reasons for its capture by the Greeks. Modern research, however, dates the eruption no earlier than 1600, almost 200 years before the Greek invasion. After the eruption, Crete managed to experience a new economic boom.

During the reconstruction of the palaces, the existence of Novodvortsova (Greek. Νεοανακτορική ) era - the period of the highest flourishing of the Minoan civilization, the center of which was, without a doubt, Knossos, located 10 km south of Heraklion. Knossos was absolutely not threatened by invasion, external or internal, since no defensive structures were discovered during the excavations. The palaces at Phaistos, Malia, Kato Zakros and other places were local administrative centers and controlled Knossos' trade with Cyprus, the Greek mainland and other trading partners. Archaeological finds show many aspects of life at that time (from trade to everyday life) that vary from city to city. The main occupation of the Cretans was shipping and trade, as well as agriculture, animal husbandry and the production of textiles and ceramics. It is known that sea currents along the coast of Asia Minor, past Rhodes, drove ships from East to West. This direction of currents and accompanying winds indicated the launching pad for international trade, directed mainly towards Crete. This was considered the main junction of the land roads of Western Asia, located in Syria, including access to Ugarit (modern Ras esh-Shamra). The bulk of commercial foreign trade traffic was carried out through the ports of Ayia Triada, Malia and Festa. Food products were transported across the island using a well-organized network of roads that existed on the island at that time. Crete did not have a centralized government. Egyptian sources, very sensitive to the titles of the rulers with whom Egypt maintained contacts, speak only of “the people of Keftiu” about Crete.

Achaeans

The penetration of the Greeks and Pelasgians into the island led to the emergence of a hybrid Mycenaean civilization, in which Minoan elements were combined with elements of mainland culture. Greek legends connect this penetration with the name of the legendary king Minos. The fact that the Minoan (i.e. pre-Greek) civilization was named after Minos is a historical curiosity: the discoverer of the Minoan civilization, A. Evans, denied the role of the Greeks in the Cretan-Mycenaean culture.

Dorians

In the 10th century BC. e. The Dorians arrived in Crete and settled in the largest cities of the island (Knossos, Festus, Gortyna, Kydonia, etc.). The new inhabitants brought with them the technology of smelting iron, which was used not only to make weapons, but also to produce construction tools and decorative items. The Dorians also brought new traditions (burning the dead - cremation, etc.). At the same time, the indigenous inhabitants of Crete leave for the inaccessible central and eastern regions of the island. With the spread of the Dorians, Crete became dominated by an oligarchic government modeled on Sparta. More than 100 city-states were formed, the largest of which were Festus, Knossos, Ierapetha, Gortyna, etc., and the entire society was divided into 4 groups: Dorians, Perieci, Minoites and Afamiotes (or Clarotes). The last two groups were slaves without political rights, from which we can conclude that Cretan society was similar to Spartan society. In general, the intellectual and religious ties between Dorian Crete and Dorian Sparta were, apparently, quite strong, as evidenced by the activities of such Cretan soothsayers, priests and healers, such as Epimenides and Thaletos.

Roman period (67 BC - 395 AD)

Crete was conquered by the Romans during the Third Mithridatic War, in which it supported the Kingdom of Pontus.

In 73 BC. e. Mark Antony Creticus comes to Crete as the governor of the Romans, but his propraetorship ends in failure - in 71 BC. e. the Cretans defeat his fleet near Cydonia and take him prisoner.

Together with the occupation of the island by Quintus Caecilius Metellus in 67 BC. e. A long period of peace and prosperity begins, during which cities such as Kydonia, Knossos, Phaistos, as well as the administrative center of the island, Gortyna, were rebuilt. Gortyna was the only city to survive many invasions. The presence of the Romans did not significantly affect the daily life of the Cretans, who managed to preserve their language, traditions and culture. The Romans built many architectural monuments that have survived to this day. In 58, they first learned about Christianity in Crete (through the Apostle Paul).

First Byzantine period (395-824)

Main article: Byzantine Crete

For a long time, including throughout the Middle Ages, ancient orders, including slavery, were preserved on the island, which was not affected by the invasions of the Germans and Slavs. After the beginning of the Arab conquests (7th century), Muslim naval attacks on the island intensified, and cases of blockade of its settlements became more frequent.

Arab rule (824-961)

Byzantium held the island until 1204, when the Crusaders captured Constantinople.

Venetian period (1204-1669)

Byzantium's dominance of Crete came to an end with the fall of Constantinople in 1204. Crete was first conquered by Genoa, which gave the island to Venice after a war in 1210. In Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion, many structures were built by the Venetians that survive to this day. Heraklion was appointed the capital of the island. During the period of Venetian domination, Crete experienced a real cultural flourishing: major architectural monuments and literary works important for the developing Greek culture were created.

The Venetians completely excluded the passive and inert Greek population from participation in the political life of the country. However, their policy of systematically replacing Orthodox canons with Catholic ones and the complete abolition of the local Orthodox clergy irritated the local population. It got to the point that local Greeks openly collaborated with the Turks, who provided greater autonomy to the Orthodox Church on lands taken from the Byzantine Empire.

In 1453, after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire, many scientists and artists fled from there to Crete.

The gradual seizure of all Greek lands by the Turks leads to the establishment of an atmosphere of the inevitable fall of Crete in the Greek community of the city. Most Greeks subconsciously prepared themselves for a new life in a Muslim state, taking into account the already existing experience of Crete as a Muslim emirate.

Under Ottoman rule (1669-1898)

"Autonomy" of Crete (1898-1913)

In mid-1898, the Ottoman Empire made its last attempt to assert the island. In July, Cevad Pasha arrived in Candia, first appointed governor-general, but soon removed to the more modest post of commander of the Turkish troops in Crete. Repeated clashes between Cevad Pasha and the Council of Admirals of the European Powers forced the Ottoman Sultan to recall him in October 1898. At the beginning of September 1898, Turkish fanatics began massacring local Greeks in Candia. The British patrol, which blocked the path of the rioters and protected Christians, lost one officer and thirteen soldiers killed and twice as many wounded. In addition, the British vice-consul and several hundred Christians were killed. The unrest was stopped only by the threat of bombing Candia. After this, the European powers invited the Ottoman Empire to withdraw its troops from Crete. A Cretan autonomy was created under the name “Cretan State”, which was governed by

For a significant part of Russians who vacationed in Greece, this country is associated with one name - the island of Crete. The large island, located far from the continent, has become very close to tourists all over the world.

This happened thanks to the developed and understandable infrastructure of the island, fascinating history, a huge number of legendary ancient monuments, hotels for every taste and budget, as well as two international airports and several sea harbors.

Of course, Crete is different for everyone, but you can still tell a few general facts about it.

A little history

Crete played a big role in world history, because the first European civilization arose here. About 7 thousand years BC, the first people settled on the island, and five thousand years later four kingdoms were formed here, their capitals were in the cities of Knossos, Kato Zakro, Festus and Malia. These states marked the beginning of the Minoan (Creto-Mycenaean) civilization, while only isolated wild tribes lived on mainland Europe.

The Minoan culture lived for a thousand years, but then faced two irreparable disasters: a huge tsunami that hit the island as a result of an earthquake in the Santorini area, and wild northern tribes ravaging and burning Cretan cities. As a result, the Minoan civilization perished, the island was deserted and for many centuries became a transit point for pirates and robbers.

Then its history coincided with the history of most of the islands of Greece: Crete was conquered by the Romans, then ceded to Byzantium, thanks to which it was built up with beautiful temples.

In 824, the Saracens captured the island and founded an Arab state there, centered in the city of Khandak (now the capital of Crete - Heraklion); it existed for almost 150 years.

After this, the island came under the rule of the Venetians for almost 400 years, which contributed to the development of all types of arts and crafts here. In 1669, it was captured by the Turks, although Crete fiercely resisted and the capital was kept under siege for 21 years. The power of the Ottoman Empire lasted, with a short break, almost until the beginning of the twentieth century. Crete joined Greece only in 1913.
However, the mythical history of the island is even more interesting, because it was here in a cave that the future thunder god Zeus was hidden as a baby from his father Kron, thanks to which he survived and became the main one on Olympus. Here he also brought the stolen maiden Europa, who bore him three sons Rhadamanthus, Sarpedon and Minos. Here, according to legend, the Labyrinth of the Minotaur was erected, where Theseus killed the terrible monster. In general, many significant myths of Ancient Greece are associated with Crete, which makes a holiday on modern Crete even more interesting.

Where is the island of Crete?

We can say that this piece of land is at the intersection of three civilizations - Europe, Asia and Africa. If you look at the map, it seems that the European continent ends with this island. Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and the largest island of Hellas: its area is just under 8,500 square meters. km. The length of Crete is 260 km, the width ranges from 60 km at the widest point to 12 at the narrowest point on the isthmus of Ierapetra. From the north it is washed by the Cretan Sea, from the south by the Libyan Sea and in the west by the Ionian Sea.

The island stretches in length from west to east, and its main resorts are located on the northern coast. Along the same coast lies the New Cretan Highway, which connects the largest cities of the island. In the depths and in the south of Crete there are much fewer tourists, therefore the settlements are more original and interesting, but getting there is not so easy.

By the way, about the population. There are only about 800 thousand Cretans, but several times more people sail and fly to the island every year as tourists. The local population is, of course, Greeks, but in fact they contain a lot of blood from different peoples, whose history is connected with this part of the land between Europe and North Africa.

The nature of Crete is considered beautiful and amazing, but in fact it is a little monotonous: it is mountains, mostly flat, forests and a couple of small rivers.

But in Crete there are several very beautiful and unusual caves and gorges - both in the depths of the island and in the rocks on popular beaches.

The main thing here is the sun and mild climate. In addition to this, nature has created amazing beaches, some of which are included in the list of the best beaches in Greece and even the world.

Crete is divided into 4 administrative districts (nomes): Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Lasithi.

Each of them is famous for its resorts and attractions.

Chania

The westernmost nome of the island and at the same time the greenest. The capital of the district of the same name (150 km from Heraklion) is called “Greek Venice”, as many buildings in the Venetian style have been preserved here. Chania is considered a quiet region; there are fewer tourists here than in other parts of Crete, so it is recommended to have a quiet family holiday here with children.

Rethymno

The small region is home to several resort villages and beautiful beaches. There are a lot of tourists in Rethymno, because both the capital of the district (Rethymno, 78 km from Heraklion) and its surroundings are one large archaeological attraction, it is called the “soul of Crete”. In addition, it is on the territory of this province that the two highest mountains of the island are located - Ida or Psiloritis (2456 m) and Kedros (1777 m), which adds incredible beauty to the landscape.

Heraklion

The central region of Crete, with its capital in the city of Heraklion, is the most densely populated, with developed urban and hotel infrastructure. Mecca of the island's nightlife, shopping and other entertainment. At the same time, the region is home to a huge number of museums, historical monuments and ancient temples. Near Heraklion there are the noisiest youth hotels, whose guests spend their evenings in the clubs of the island capital.

Lassithi

The easternmost part of Crete, which boasts the most sunny days of the year. The region's resorts are considered the most respectable; the largest and most expensive hotels on the island are located here. The regional capital, Agios Nikolas, is 69 km away. from Heraklion, however, the fashionable villages of the province - Ierapetra - are even further away, 81 km and 105 km respectively. There are few mountains here; the main natural attraction is Lake Vulismeni.

How to get there

Airports

Crete receives many airliners from all over the world every day, two international and Chania. During the season these are mainly charters, but there are also regular flights from several European cities, including the Russian capital. A Moscow-Crete plane ticket costs about 11.5 thousand rubles. (Lassithi District) receives mainly local and private flights. From the Greek capital you can fly to Crete for an amount from 65 to 100 euros per person.

Ferries

Regular ferry service for Greece is the same as Russian intercity buses. Ferries are very reliable, convenient and economical. On Crete, all major cities are ports, but the largest - Heraklion and Chania - receive the largest number of ships. From Athens to the island, high-speed ships sail either at lunchtime and arrive at their destination in the evening, or depart at night and dock in Crete in the early morning. Most ferries call at several ports on Crete in one trip. It also has connections with other Greek islands, so you can come here for a couple of days while on vacation in another island province of Hellas. Here is information on several ferries.

Ferry Athens (Piraeus) – Heraklion: departure at 21.00, arrival at 6 am with a call at the ports of Chania, Agios Nikolas. Ticket prices range from 29 to 36 euros per person. The ship offers its guests comfortable cabins and the ability to transport cars.

Ferry Piraeus – Kissamos (Chania region): departure at 17.00, arrival at 5.30 am, ticket – 24 euros per person.

Ferry Santorini – Heraklion: travel time 2 hours, cost 55-57 euros. Departs mainly in the evening.

Ferry o. Mykonos(all about Mykonos) – Heraklion: travel time 3.5 hours, ticket price – 76-80 euros per person.

It will not be possible to get to Crete from another popular island among Russians, Rhodes or, for example, Zakynthos (overview of the island), since ferry service in Greece exists only in the waters of one sea. In this case, you can only sail to Crete with a “transfer” in the Athens port of Piraeus or other mainland ports.

If you traveled independently around mainland Greece and decided to visit Crete with your vehicle, then the prices for transporting such equipment by ferry are approximately as follows:

The main road in Crete runs along the northern coast and connects the main resort towns and villages.

This is a good quality multi-lane highway, following which you can easily reach the main local attractions.

Most of the roads on the southern coast or in the interior of the island are narrow, often just serpentine country roads; in the mountains it can be downright dangerous for an inexperienced driver. Rocky terrain only makes the condition worse, so a flat tire is the most common car breakdown in Crete.

Three facts about transport

The peculiarity of Crete can be called the people - cheerful and very responsive, cheerful and carefree, like all southern peoples. Cretans, like all Greeks, are leisurely and can sometimes be cunning, but the high level of tourism development on the island makes them live up to the proud title of a world resort, and therefore the level of service in hotels in Crete is noticeably higher than in Greek provinces less popular with tourists.

Holidays in Greece ‹ Crete ‹ History of Fr. Crete

History of Crete

Greece. Crete

Neolithic era

The earliest human presence is attested on Crete during the Neolithic era, which dates back to the period between 6000 and 5000 BC. BC. The end of this era occurs around 2600 BC.

Minoan era

The beginning of the Minoan era coincides with the beginning of the Bronze Age. It has been suggested that a new civilization, which developed and existed on Crete for about 1200 years, was brought to the island ca. 2600 BC people who came from Asia Minor. Along with him, other tribes may have arrived from Egypt and Libya, which, however, have no connection with the Egyptians and Semites. The newcomers were supposedly one of the Indo-European peoples. Unfortunately, we do not know their language, just as, with the exception of minor facts, we know nothing at all from the history of Minoan Crete. However, the lack of information about history is more than made up for by the rich finds obtained as a result of archaeological excavations. Thanks to these finds, we are fairly well informed about the achievements of the Minoan civilization, art, social structure and economy of Crete.

Based on the rich available finds, we currently have a chronological periodization of the Minoan era, divided into periods and subperiods. The latest chronological system is based on the following fundamental dates in the history of the Minoan civilization: 2600 BC. - the emergence of a new population that brought with them knowledge of bronze processing; 2000 BC - construction of the first large Minoan palaces; 1700 BC - the destruction of old palaces as a result of a strong earthquake and the construction a few years later of new palaces, even more luxurious than the old ones; 1400 BC - destruction of new palaces, possibly as a result of a volcanic eruption on Santorini, which also marked the end of the Minoan civilization; 1100 BC - conquest of Crete by the Dorians. From the arrival of the Dorians to the Roman conquest. From about the beginning of this period there were significant changes in art. The shapes of ceramic products undergo changes, and iron is used for the first time in metallurgy. The later Geometric period (900-725 BC) saw a new flowering in the arts, especially ceramics. Finally, in the archaic period (650-500 BC), a new, so-called “Daedalian” style appears in sculpture.

Roman era

After a stubborn struggle, the Romans, led by the general Metellus, captured Crete in 68 BC. Crete becomes a Roman province with its capital at Gortyn (Gortys), which also includes Cyrenaica. Christianity appears in Crete with the arrival of the Apostle Paul (63-66 AD). First Byzantine period. This period begins essentially after 395, when Theodosius the Great was emperor. The island remained calm until the Arab invasions began around 650.

Arab conquest

Taking advantage of the internal turmoil in Byzantium, the Arabs captured Crete in 824. The Arabs made Heraklion their capital, which they fortified, surrounding it on all sides with a wide and deep ditch, from which the city received the name Khandak (Khandakas). The Arab conquest brought much suffering to the people of Crete. Christians were massacred and converted to Islam, women and boys were sent to the slave markets of Khandaq, where they were sold and sent as slaves to the countries of the East. Second Byzantine period. Arab domination in Crete aroused opposition from Byzantium, which repeatedly, albeit unsuccessfully, tried to recapture the island. The end to these failures was put in 961 by the campaign of the Byzantine commander Nikephoros Phocas, who, after fierce battles, captured Crete.

Venetian rule

In 1212, after the war with the Genoese, the Venetians became the owners of the island. Venetian rule, which lasted more than 400 years, brought new misfortunes to the people of Crete, who continuously rebelled against the invaders. However, this struggle did not prevent the cultural revival of the island.

Turkish rule

This was the most difficult period in the history of Crete. First, the Turks captured Chania in 1645, and then began to move east, setting fire and destruction to everything in their path. The main obstacle for them was the Khandaka fortress. It took 23 years of siege to conquer it. After this, the Turks became the absolute masters of the island, and the Cretans lived in severe bondage. Their churches were converted into mosques, their property was confiscated, their women were abused, and their children were taken away to be turned into janissaries. However, the Cretans bravely resisted. There were many uprisings on the island, the largest of which took place in 1770 (under the leadership of Daskalogiannis), in 1821, in 1866 (when the Arkadi explosion occurred) and in 1897.

Independence and reunification with Greece

The explosion of Arkadi and the courageous struggle of the Cretans excited world public opinion, which led to the intervention of the four great European powers of the time (England, France, Russia and Italy). The Turks were expelled from the island, and the Greek Prince George was proclaimed "Supreme Regent" of Crete, who arrived on the island to rule the "Cretan State", as this autonomous state was called. However, it took another uprising to reunite with Greece. It happened in 1905 in Ferissa under the leadership of Eleutherios Venizelos. And yet, the reunion took place only 8 years later, when E. Venizelos was Prime Minister of Greece.

Battle of Crete (1941). German occupation

Another glorious page was written in the history of Crete. We are talking about a major battle in May 1941 between the allied powers of Greece and the population of Crete on the one hand and Hitler's paratroopers on the other. The people of Crete showed stubborn resistance even after the German occupation was established on the island. The punishment that fell upon the Cretans from the invaders was cruel. Entire villages were razed to the ground, and the male population was subjected to mass executions. However, accustomed for so many years to struggle and self-sacrifice, the spirit of the Cretans was not broken.

Crete is the largest Greek island. It is located on the border of Europe and Africa, separating two seas - the Aegean and Libyan. It is on this island that the highest mountains, the longest gorge, and a unique palm beach are located. Ancient history borders on more recent and modern times: next to the ancient structures of the Cretan-Mycenaean culture there are Venetian and Turkish buildings, as well as modern buildings. In the article we will briefly describe the ancient Greek myths associated with the island of Crete, and also take a short excursion around it and see the sights of the Crete-Mycenaean culture.

Myths of Ancient Greece: Crete

The island of Crete is considered the birthplace of Zeus. Rhea gave birth to him here, having escaped from her husband, the evil and merciless titan Kronos, who devoured all his newborn children. Kronos was predicted that his own children would take away his power. Rhea saved her from this cruel fate, hiding her for many years on the island of Crete. You should definitely visit the Dictaean Cave, where the future supreme god, the Thunderer, spent his childhood. Nowadays it is one of the most popular attractions of the island.

Also associated with Crete is the legend of the terrible monster the Minotaur, who lived here in the labyrinth and was defeated by Theseus, no less famous than Hercules, the hero of ancient Greek mythology. And another myth associated with Crete, Crete is the largest Greek island. It is located on the border of Europe and Africa, separating two seas - the Aegean and Libyan. It is on this island that the highest mountains, the longest gorge, and a unique palm beach are located. Ancient history borders on more recent and modern times: next to the ancient structures there are Venetian and Turkish buildings, as well as modern buildings. In the article we will briefly talk about the ancient Greek myths associated with the island of Crete, and also take a short excursion around it and see the sights of the Crete-Mycenaean culture.

Legends of Crete: Ancient Greece

The island of Crete is considered the birthplace of Zeus. Rhea gave birth to him here, having escaped from her husband, the evil and merciless titan Kronos, who devoured all his newborn children. Kronos was predicted that his own children would take away his power. from this cruel fate, hiding for many years on the island of Crete. You should definitely visit the Dictaean Cave, where the future supreme god, the Thunderer, spent his childhood. Nowadays it is one of the most popular attractions of the island.

Also associated with Crete is the legend of the terrible monster the Minotaur, who lived here in the labyrinth and was defeated by the hero of ancient Greek mythology, no less famous than the hero of ancient Greek mythology - Theseus. And another myth associated with Crete is about the ancient Greek master Daedalus and his son Icarus. When King Minos guessed who helped his daughter Ariadne and Theseus escape, the master and his son decided to escape in the following way: they made huge wings, fastening ordinary bird feathers with wax. But on the way Icarus forgot his father’s order not to rise too close to the sun and violated it. The wax melted and the young man drowned in the sea.

Ancient Greece: Crete-Mycenaean period

The stories of Crete are embodied in the architecture of Heraklion, the current capital of the island. The city was named after Hercules. In the Archaeological Museum, admire the masterpieces of the Cretan-Mycenaean period: palace frescoes, the famous Phaistos disc, and numerous sculptures. Near Festa you can see the remains of many ancient buildings, even entire steles with laws. On Mount Yukhtas there is the tomb of Zeus.

Nothing goes unnoticed. Ancient Greek culture is alive to this day. The story of the ancient Greek master Daedalus and his son Icarus is alive in the palaces of the island. When he realized who had helped his daughter Ariadne and Theseus escape, the master and his son decided to escape in the following way: they made huge wings, fastening ordinary bird feathers with wax. But on the way Icarus forgot his father’s order not to rise too close to the sun and violated it. The wax melted and the young man drowned in the sea.

In Crete you can see monuments of the Cretan-Mycenaean culture. It is impossible to describe them all in one article, so we will select only the most interesting ones.

For example, it is worth seeing the four large palaces of the island - Malia, Festa, Zakro and Knossos. In the latter, tablets with samples of Minoan writing were found for the first time. While walking through its ruins, be sure to visit the labyrinth of the Minotaur.

Walk around Heraklion, the current capital of the island. The city was named in honor. In the Archaeological Museum, admire the masterpieces of the Cretan-Mycenaean period: palace frescoes, the famous Phaistos disc, and numerous sculptures. Near Festa you can see the remains of many ancient buildings, even entire steles with laws. On Mount Yukhtas there is the tomb of Zeus.

Ancient Greek culture is alive to this day.