The illustrious Minoan civilization had spread throughout Crete and it had a central role in the then known world of the Mediterranean Sea. Knossos may have been its center, but Crete is full of ruins of cities that were once glorious. The palaces and the luxurious tombs show us the periods of their peak.
The second most important city of the Minoan civilization was Phaistos, whose ruins are in southern Crete, at the plain of Messara, not too far from the city of Heraklion. The archeological research shows that the first palace was built around the beginning of the second millennium BC. That’s where, according to myth, Rhadamanthus, Minos’ own brother, ruled. The city was destroyed twice by earthquake, in 1700 and 1450 BC, but it was built anew and it flourished once more, while it is almost certain that it was inhabited up to the first century BC.
The city is mostly known for the Phaistos Disc that has troubled hundreds of scientists even since it was discovered at the basement of the palace in the beginning of the twentieth century. The writing has not been deciphered yet, despite the fact that there are many conjectures on the language and the contents of the disc.
When you are in Crete, Phaistos should be among your options for a day trip, especially since you’ll be able to enjoy the magnificent beaches on the south of the island.
Hotels in Crete | AKS Minoa Palace
