Knossos_Palace

Knossos Palace Knossos palace is the largest archeological site in Crete and was found in 1978 by Minos Kalokairinos. Knossos Palace lies in Crete, Greece. The site is located right near the main city of Heraklion. The first dig however was done by Sir Arthur Evans, while Evan’s was a pioneer of scientific excavation, his preservation methods are controversial. Evans decided to reconstruct part of the palace. His reconstruction of part of the Palace at Knossos used contemporary building materials such as reinforced concrete, lead paints, and plasters. This method of preservation and reproduction were frowned upon as it combined ancient artifacts and modern building materials that were not used in the time the palace was used. Evans also managed to developed a chronology for the site using a complicated pottery sequence, which he established by referencing types of pot shards, or small bits of pottery, with Egyptian or Mycenaean trade goods and other artifacts that had been more accurately dated. (Shown on the map). Evidence from the site Artifacts found from the site: The frescos One of the most important artifacts located in Knossos is the fresco paintings. The one shown here. This fresco is very important because it depicts a bull sport religious contest for both men and women. As the picture shows the Contestant would first grab the bull by the horns, then make a jump over the bull’s back, landing on the ground. The snake goddesses The snake goddess figurines are also a very important find. One of the main reasons for its importance is that it shows the fashion of the Minioan women. The other reason is that is represents the mother goddess and her daughter. Evaluating the importance of the site There is much we can learn about the history and society of the Greeks from this site. Although we don’t know exactly what Knossos was used for, through further excavation we can possibly learn the use of the palace. Findings have helped us learn that there was a settlement there around 8th Millennium BC, possibly before that. We have also learnt that the actual palace has stood there since the 4th Millennium BC. Other things we know from the excavation of the site is that a female deity and the Bull was worshipped in the palace, this is known from the statues found at the site. Although there are still many uncertainties about the site, through further research we can learn even more about ancient Greece. Bibliography http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp'obj_id=2369 http://www.bsa.ac.uk/pages/content.php'cat_id=22 http://www.mygreecetravels.com/museum.html http://www.heraklion-crete.org/knossos.html