Knossos Palace, Heraklion, Crete

Crete.  This seems like a place to spend a whole vacation.

I asked my mythology expert, Sarah Edwards, for some back story.  Here is a tiny bit of her response:

"Crete is also the home of one of the most famous labyrinths (the Knossos labyrinth) in literature/history. King Minos ordered it to be built to be the home of the Minotaur and then Theseus came and slayed the Minotaur. I think you can actually visit the place where it's said to be. "

So we went to the Palace of Knossos.

The bull.

And the bull headed.

The earliest traces of habitation were from 7,000 BC to 3,000 BC. 

It was leveled by an earthquake in 1700 BC. 

Rebuilt and levelled again in 1350 BC.

Then occupied through Roman times.

We felt very welcome....but never found the maze.

One of the coolest things though, is that the artifacts found here in the late 1800s are in the Archeological museum in Heraklion, just down the road.

We could have spent hours here.

This rock crystal pitcher was made between 1500 BC and 1450 BC.  Amazing craftsmanship. 

This golden bee pendant is dated between 1800 -1700 BC.  As you can imagine, there are reproductions all over the city, but none so intricate as the original. 

The cookware is no less amazing.

There is even color preserved on these pieces.

Definitely would go back for two days in this museum.  Wonder if we will ever return?