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 passion to production: Steven Koutzoumis launches SoundCult studio in Sydney

In the heart of Beverly Hills, a fresh sound is taking shape - and it’s being led by young Greek Australian Steven Koutzoumis who has a vision

Faith, family and football: The making of Nectarios Triantis

Growing up in a bustling Greek Australian household in Sydney, footballer Nectarios Triantis was never far from a football - or chaos.

Bella Spasis’ big deal: Live music in Victoria set to thrive

Greek-Victorian bar owner, Isabella (Bella) Spasis, hosted a remarkable event at her venue, ‘The Dog’s Bar’ early on Sunday morning, July 6.

GOCNSW Home for the Aged welcomes Consul General and celebrates its donors

The Greek Orthodox Community Home for the Aged played host to the Consul General of Greece in Sydney and some of its major donors.

Father Athanasios Giatsios appointed Orthodox Chaplain at Macquarie University

Father Athanasios Giatsios has been appointed as the new Orthodox Chaplain at Macquarie University. Read more here.

You May Also Like

SA prosecutor Michael Foundas condemns family who conspired to stab daughter 

Sydney prosecutor Michael Foundas has condemned a father who conspired with his family to stab his own daughter at Sefton Plaza in 2021.

Wildfire burns Athenian suburbs as Greece calls on EU for help

A major wildfire which raged out of control in the northern suburbs of Athens on Monday, August 12 has shown improvements.

Greece: In top 10 countries for electric power production from renewable energy

Greece ranks number 9 of countries around the world that produces more than 20 pct of their electric energy from solar and wind...