Page 262 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

EXPERIENCE Crete

Visitors at the South
Propylo, looking at the
impressive frescoes

AROUND THE SOUTH PROPYLON

Entry to the palace complex were accompanied by much
is via the West Court, the ceremony. There were also THE HISTORY
original ceremonial entrance impressive frescoes in the OF THE PALACE
now marked by a bust of Sir South Propylon, off the The capital of Minoan
Arthur Evans. To the left are corridor. From the South Crete, Knosós was the
three circular pits known as Propylon, steps lead up to the largest and most
kouloúres, which probably reconstructed Piano Nobile, sophisticated of the
served as granaries. Ahead, the name given by Sir Arthur palaces on the island. It
running along the length of Evans to the probable contained over 1,000
the west façade, are the West location of the grand state rooms across multiple
Magazines. These contained apartments and reception storeys and enjoyed
numerous large storage jars halls. Stone vases found in the comforts of an
(pithoi), and, along with the this part of the palace were elaborate drainage
granaries, the central position used for ritual purposes and system, flushing toilets
give an impression of how indicate the centrality of and paved roads. The
important the control of religion to palace life. The Minoans left behind
resources and storage was close link between secular numerous scripts that
within the palace. and sacred power is also have not yet been
At the far right-hand corner reinforced by the Throne deciphered, meaning
of the West Court, the west Room, where ritual bathing in that much of what
entrance leads to the Corridor a lustral basin (sunken bath) is understood about
of the Procession. Now cut is thought to have taken the palace complex is
short by erosion of the hill- place. Steps lead from the conjecture. Luckily, the
side, the corridor was painted Throne Room to the once- site was also written
with a series of elaborate paved Central Court. Now into numerous myths,
frescoes depicting a number open to the elements, this including the Minotaur
of gift-bearers. This seems would have been the heart of (p261) and Icarus, who
to suggest that state and the palace, flanked by high flew too close to the sun.
religious events at the palace buildings on all four sides.
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