The oldest throne room in Europe is located in this ancient palace on Crete

·

In the Palace of Knossos on the Greek island of Crete, a magnificent throne room built during the 15th century BC is considered the oldest such room in Europe.

The palace was built by the Minoans, an Aegean civilisation known for their elaborate palaces and beautiful frescoes.

The Minoan civilisation flourished from about 3000 BCE to around 1500 BCE, eventually falling under the rule of late Bronze Age Mycenaean Greece.

The first palace of Knossos was constructed around 2000 BCE. It was later destroyed in an earthquake around 1720 BCE.

The famous dolphin fresco. Photo: Stock Photos from GEORGIOS TSICHLIS/Shutterstock.

The rebuilt palace is what remains today—a complex of frescoed rooms, magnificent columns, and zig-zagging stairs. The palace served as the administrative and ceremonial headquarters of the Minoan realms.

The throne room:

The throne room itself was unearthed in 1900 by British archaeologist Arthur Evans, during the first phase of his excavations in Knossos.

It was found in the center of the palatial complex and west of the central court. The chamber contains an alabaster seat on the north wall, identified by Evans as a “throne,” while two Griffins resting on each side are gazing at it, seemingly paying their respects to the figure who sits there.

The throne room at Knossos, featuring frescoed walls. Photo: Stock Photos from ANTON CHYGAREV/Shutterstock.

The room also includes a stone bowl which may have been used in religious rituals. The frescos along the walls of the room depict griffins.

Although the throne room may have been used by a ruler, it also may have been purely ceremonial with the throne reserved for the presence of a god or goddess.

Today, Knossos can be visited by travellers and history buffs. Along with other Minoan palaces, Knossos is currently on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Nick Kyrgios to take on Thanasi Kokkinakis in US Open first round

The US Open draw was revealed, with Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis set to face off in a bittersweet first-round men's singles encounter.

The utilisation of Philhellenes benefits Greek culture

Professor Anastasios Tamis writes an opinion piece for The Greek Herald about Philhellenes and their role in Greek culture.

Pontian community leader Peter Jasonides passes away in Melbourne

Prominent and much-loved Pontian community leader Peter Jasonides passed away today in Melbourne, Victoria.