The myth of the Minotaur: from birth to death of a monster. The legend of the palace of Knossos and the labyrinth of the minotaur The palace where, according to legend, the minotaur lived

There is no other culture on Earth that has given mankind so many myths and legends as the Greek one. Every educated person still remembers the stories of Daedalus and Icarus, the seven labors of Hercules, Prometheus, who gave people fire ... And it is no secret to anyone what the name of the island with the labyrinth of the Minotaur is.

These legends will not touch someone, but a lively interest in Greek mythology will settle in someone's heart, which will then develop into a sincere love for this ancient proud country. Then the Olympic gods will become understandable and dear, the indestructible law of hospitality will reign in the house, and the heart will irresistibly rush to where modern European civilization was born.

Athens has played a huge role in world history for thousands of years. And now, in 2015, their decision largely depends further fate Europe. But there are places in Greece that are not so politicized, where time seems to flow more slowly, and life, like many centuries ago, is measured and peaceful. They are no less interesting in historical terms, and it seems that the gods themselves guard this land.

Crete. Cradle of the gods

It was on this island that Rhea hid the newborn Zeus from the bloodthirsty Kronos, who was fed with her milk by the mythical goat Amalthea in the Dictean cave. Here, according to the beliefs of the Cretans, who doubt the immortality of the Thunderer, is his grave.

The most visited attraction of this magnificent island is the Palace of Knossos. In its dungeons, Daedalus built a labyrinth in which King Minos hid the Minotaur for many years - a bloodthirsty monster with a human body and a powerful bull's head.

Ancient Greek myths. Theseus and Ariadne

The Minotaur became a sophisticated punishment sent by Poseidon to the Minoan ruler for refusing to sacrifice a beautiful animal to the gods. The wife of Minos, the beautiful Pasithea, was inflamed with love for the bull, which, according to various legends, was sent to earth either by Poseidon or by Zeus himself. The bloodthirsty Minotaur became the fruit of their criminal passion.

The monster demanded regular human sacrifices. Every seven years, seven of the most beautiful Athenian boys and girls were delivered to the island with the labyrinth of the Minotaur. According to one version, they became the prey of a monster, according to another, they died a natural death from thirst and hunger, wandering desperately through the labyrinth and not finding a way out.

This injustice lasted for many years, until the Athenian hero Theseus arrived as one of the victims in the labyrinth of the Minotaur, who managed to defeat the bloodthirsty monster and free the country from the bloodthirsty tyrant. The sister of the Minotaur helped him to carry out this feat, giving Theseus a guiding thread that helped the hero to confidently find a way out and leave the labyrinth. Her name has long become a household name and is known almost more than the monster itself. The myth "Labyrinth of the Minotaur" made Ariadne the patroness of travelers. Her invisible threads will always show the right path and will not let hope go out.

Theories of Philochora and Eusebius

The myth of the monster, whose refuge is the island with the labyrinth of the Minotaur, is very picturesque, but the real past is much more prosaic. Even the ancient Greek historian Philochor told that the labyrinth was an ordinary prison. King Minos liked to arrange sports competitions, in which young Athenian boys, who were kept in prison until the right time, were exhibited as a prize. In most competitions, the Minoan commander named Taurus won, who then subtly mocked the captive youths.

Eusebius shares Philochor's version. As a teacher of Minos, Taurus won all the sports competitions held by Minos, receiving young strong guys as a reward. This continued until the meeting with Theseus, who managed to defeat the warrior. Plato, in his treatises, voices the version that Taurus did not take the life of his captives, and they left the Cretan labyrinth of the Minotaur safe and sound.

Modern interpretation

There are many versions about the meaning of the content of this myth. Modern researchers are of the opinion that the labyrinth of the Minotaur is a legend that tells about the interaction and merging of Indo-European structures and cultures of the peoples of the sea, in which the ancient Hellenic civilization turned out to be the strongest.

Knossos palace

Those who have ever seen the Palace of Knossos with their own eyes will immediately recognize that if the labyrinth of the Minotaur ever existed in Crete, Knossos was its most likely location. The surviving walls of the palace, its rooms and passages in the most incredible way form plexuses, finding a way out of which seems to be completely impossible. All premises are built, from the point of view of a modern person, in chaos and disorder, and meanwhile, scientists recognize the presence of a certain system in the building. The Minoans did not always strictly follow the laws of architecture, creating structures that seemed impossible to build.

Now only the ruins, under which, perhaps, the labyrinth of the Minotaur is buried, remind of its former grandeur. Photos only partially convey the globality and thoughtfulness that the buildings of ancient civilizations were famous for.

The Palace of Knossos is located just five kilometers from modern Heraklion, and the area that it once occupied, measuring 75 hectares, is truly amazing in its size. In those distant times, more than 12 thousand people permanently lived in the palace - the same number inhabited Heraklion.

Legend of Atlantis

The ruins that currently excite the imagination of tourists are the ruins of the second palace. The very first was tentatively erected in 2000 BC. e. And about 1700 BC. e. a devastating earthquake hit the island, almost completely leveling the palace to the ground. However, in its place, the Minoans rebuilt an equally beautiful structure, and to this day it attracts millions of tourists like a magnet.

But the new Palace of Knossos was not destined to please its inhabitants for a long time. Not later than 1500 BC. e. The volcanic eruption on the island of Santorini caused a strong earthquake and a high tsunami, which led to the repeated destruction of the majestic structure.

What water failed, fire did. A fire in 1450 BC completely destroyed the palace. The reason for it is still unknown to this day. It is noteworthy that in the same way were completely erased from the surface of the earth and other significant monuments Minoan culture in Phaistos and Zakros.

Most likely, humanity will never reliably know what led to the death of the Minoan civilization. As a result of numerous excavations carried out on the territory of the palace complex, no remains of people and animals were found. For some unknown reason, the inhabitants of Knossos left their homes. Where they went is also a mystery. All available theories are nothing more than the guesswork of scientists. Some of the researchers associate Crete with the myth of the disappeared Atlantis, but there is still no confirmation of this theory, nor its refutation.

Traces of past greatness

And in the place of the palace and in later periods, people always lived. However, the palace buildings were not completely destroyed and plundered. Perhaps the peasants were held back by fear of the mythical Minotaur, who once lived in the labyrinth of the palace. Therefore, when in 1878 the archaeologist Kalokerinos conducted the first excavations, he was surprised to find not only the well-preserved premises of the palace, but also many unique artifacts that looked as if they had not lain in the ground for millennia. But large-scale excavations of the palace began only in 1900, when the surrounding lands were bought by Arthur Evans, who forever entered the history of Crete.

The main architectural monument of Crete

The visit to the palace starts from the West Entrance. Many centuries ago, the main entrance to the palace was located here. Three huge pits immediately catch the eye, the purpose of which is still controversial among scientists. They believe that they were intended to store grain, others see them as a place for sacrifices and remember the labyrinth of the Minotaur.

Photos of these pits, however, look completely ordinary and do not cause sacred awe.

After passing the "Road of Processions", decorated with frescoes depicting young people making offerings to one of the goddesses, you can get to the Central Court, paved with huge slabs. It was here that various solemn ceremonies were held and mysterious rituals were performed.

The South House, which most likely belonged to the high priest, is perfectly preserved. Majestically look at the descendants of the Southern Propylaea, which housed the cult rooms of the palace. Climbing the stairs, you can see the Greek Temple - a building erected much later than the entire complex.

On the upper floor of the palace there is a three-column sanctuary, a little further - a treasury that gave humanity many unique artifacts, and then a sanctuary with two and six columns. Giant pithoi - vessels for storing grain and olive oil as tall as a man, make an indelible impression on tourists. Wool, fabrics and other things especially valuable in those days were stored here.

The Fresco Hall and the Throne Room enjoy the most attention from tourists. Like thousands of years ago, the stone throne, in front of which there is a bowl for ablutions, attracts everyone's attention. Imagination draws how the priests, taking their places on the stone benches, heeded every word of their master. During the excavations, the famous Arthur Evans discovered a terrible mess in the Throne Room, uncharacteristic of other rooms, which gave him reason to believe that something terrible and tragic had happened in the hall ...

In the eastern wing, according to one version, there were living quarters of the royal family, megarons of the king and queen. To the west - the queen's bathroom and beauty room, a school and a craftsmen's workshop.

Stocks of provisions were stored in a warehouse in giant pithoi. The ancient builders did not forget about the perfectly functioning sewage system, its fragments still give an excellent idea of ​​the perfection of the Minoan civilization. The area of ​​the theater allowed the inhabitants of Knossos to gather for a performance and enjoy the wonderful performance.

Ablution pools are found throughout the palace complex, and later scientists began to doubt the truth of their purpose. However, even today they appear in guidebooks under this name.

Where is the monster's home hidden?

Curious tourists will not receive a reliable answer to only one question - where is the labyrinth of the Minotaur? Indeed, many tourists tend to Knossos, guided by an ancient myth and hoping to touch the legend.

But not a single person on the planet will say for sure what is the labyrinth of the Minotaur - myth or reality? Like any theory, this one also has its supporters and opponents. The red bull of the Western Bastion clearly refers to old legend. Its adherents are not at all embarrassed by the fact that the last palace of Knossos was completed much later than the legend about this mysterious creature appeared. And despite the fact that the development of modern science allows you to see deep underground, the place where the labyrinth of the Minotaur is safely hidden in the depths has never been discovered. There is an opinion that it is formed by numerous caves in the mountains near Gortyna, their narrow dark corridors and incomprehensible branches make up a complex system of passages, from which it is almost impossible to get out. Stories are passed from mouth to mouth about the lucky ones who allegedly saw unusual, unlike creatures in these caves.

Indirectly, the reality of the labyrinth is indicated by coins that were minted in the ancient city of Knossos and depict precisely this intricate structure.

Opponents of fairy theories deny the existence of the labyrinth of Daedalus, as the labyrinth of the Minotaur is called after its creator, and argue that the intricate layout of the Knossos palace, which can confuse anyone, is the real labyrinth. Other scientists share the opinion that the mysterious structure is just a double ax "labrys", which is the main weapon of the Minoans.

spiritual labyrinth

In many cultures, the labyrinth has a sacred meaning. You can move forward and find yourself in a dead end, take a step and find a way out, or vice versa, wander for a long time in the dark and forever wallow in problems and doubts. And then the inner Minotaur will destroy all the good and good that is in every person.

The labyrinth is the embodiment of the complexity of the eternal struggle with the dark forces, and the way out of it is evidence of the victory of good over evil.

Some researchers of the Minoan culture are inclined to the version that the legend of the labyrinth of the Minotaur is an encrypted message to the descendants, telling about the clash of two cultures - the Indo-European and the civilization of the peoples of the sea, worshiping the bull. The Destruction of the Minotaur, Half Bull, Half Man, Indicates Victory ancient civilization over the alien tribes.

But be that as it may, every year tens of thousands of tourists come to the island of Crete in the hope of finding a mysterious labyrinth. After it could not be found in Knossos, the geography of their searches expanded significantly and now covers the entire island.

Most often, only old memories remain from ancient myths and legends, which are considered fairy tales that are passed down from generation to generation. But sometimes the thin line between reality and fantasy is erased, revealing undeniable facts to the world. Such an exception was the Knossos Labyrinth of the Minotaur on the island of Crete, the ruins of which we can contemplate to this day.

According to one of the ancient Greek myths, a huge palace with an intricate system of moves was erected on this island during the reign of King Minos. This labyrinth was built for a reason. It was within its walls that the king settled: a monster with a human body and a bull's head, which came from the unnatural love of Pasiphae, the wife of King Minos, for the bull sent by Poseidon, the god of the seas.

Every seven years, Athens, enslaved by Minos, sent seven the most beautiful girls and seven youths who gave themselves to the wolves of the ferocious Minotaur. Decades passed and the number of victims increased inexorably, bringing pain and suffering to the inhabitants of Athens...

When once again a mourning ship with black sails was to deliver a terrible tribute, the young hero Theseus decided to go with the Athenian youths and girls to put an end to this madness. The choice was small: to slay the Minotaur or perish himself.

The aged Aegeus did not want to hear about the wild idea of ​​​​his only son, but the brave Theseus was unshakable. He made a sacrifice to Apollo-Delphin himself, the patron saint sea ​​voyages, and the oracle instructed him to choose the goddess of love Aphrodite as the patroness in this feat. Having called Aphrodite for help and made a sacrifice to her, the young hero went to Crete.

When the ship sailed to the ill-fated island, the Athenian youths and girls were taken to Minos. The king immediately drew attention to the athletic and beautiful young man, whom Theseus was. The daughter of the king, Ariadne, also noticed him, and the patroness of Theseus, Aphrodite, aroused in her heart a strong love for the young son of Aegeus.

Ariadne, fascinated by Theseus, decided to help the brave young man and, so that he would not die in a gloomy labyrinth, secretly gave him a sword and a ball of thread.

When Theseus and all the doomed were taken to the entrance to the Labyrinth, he imperceptibly tied a thread to one of the stone columns in order to find Return trip. Then the hero stepped into the dark and confusing abode of the monster, where death could await him at every turn.

Theseus made his way further and further and finally came to the place where the Minotaur was. With a formidable roar, bowing his head with huge sharp horns, the Minotaur rushed at the brave man, and a terrible battle began. The half-beast, half-man, full of hatred for people, fiercely attacked Theseus, but he repelled his blows with his sword. Finally, the son of Aegeus grabbed the monster by the horn and plunged his sharp sword into his chest. A heartbreaking roar echoed through the labyrinth and was lost in its depths.

This feat is often depicted on many Attic household items. For example, on a wide-mouthed amphora, which is stored in the Gregorian Etruscan Museum of the Vatican, located in the palace of Innocent VIII.

Having slain the Minotaur, Theseus left the dungeon by thread, leading all the Athenian boys and girls. At the exit, Ariadne met him, rejoicing that her lover was still alive. Those whom he saved also rejoiced - glorifying the hero and his patroness Aphrodite, they led a cheerful round dance.

To avoid the wrath of the king, Theseus, Ariadne and the Athenians cut through the bottom of all the Cretan ships pulled ashore, equipped the ship and set sail back to Athens in full sail.

On the way back, Theseus landed on the coast of Naxos. When the hero and his companions were resting from their wanderings, the god of wine Dionysus appeared in a dream to Theseus and told him that he must leave Ariadne on the desert coast of Naxos, since the gods appointed her as his wife to him, the god Dionysus. Theseus woke up and, full of sadness, quickly got ready to go. He did not dare to disobey the will of the gods. The goddess was Ariadne, the wife of the great Dionysus. The companions of Dionysus Ariadne greeted loudly and glorified the wife of the great god with singing.

Theseus' ship rushed swiftly on its black sails, cutting sea ​​waves. The coast of Attica has already appeared in the distance. Theseus, saddened by the loss of Ariadne, forgot the promise given to Aegeus - to replace black sails with white ones if he returns to Athens with victory.

Aegeus often stood on a high rock and looked into the sea, looking for a white dot there - a symbol of his son's return home. When a black dot appeared in the distance, the father's hopes began to crumble, but he peered at the approaching ship to the last. When there was no doubt about the black sails, Aegeus, seized with despair, threw himself off the cliff into the raging sea. And after some time, his lifeless body was washed ashore by the waves.

Theseus landed on the shores of Attica and was already offering thanksgiving sacrifices to the gods, when suddenly, to his horror, he learned that he had become the unwitting cause of his father's death. With great honors, the grief-stricken Theseus buried the body of his father, and after the funeral he assumed power over Athens.

On this moment It is known that not only Athenians, but also various kinds of criminals were taken to the Knossos Labyrinth. According to one version, the killers even gouged out their eyes so that before death they would feel the full horror of the sinister uncertainty that reigns there. Whether the Minotaur existed or not, in those dark corridors, something strong, feeding on human flesh, clearly lived ...

Video - Crete minotaur labyrinth

Most contemporaries are more or less familiar with ancient Greek myths. In one case, history textbooks serve as sources. high school or a higher educational institution, in another - the study of the folklore of the distant past is a component of self-education. There is a considerable category of people to whom the study of mythology gives spiritual satisfaction. Many people know the myth of the Minotaur, who lived far in the ocean.

Minotaur in Crete

One of the most spectacular is the Minotaur with a specific body structure - the head of a bull, and everything else - the torso, arms and legs - are human. In other words, it's kind of a terrible hybrid.

The monster of the island of Crete was lucky to live not just anywhere, but in the Palace, which as a whole was such a complex underground labyrinth that any person who got there was doomed to get lost and disappear there forever. Most of the time the Minotaur spent in the center of the creepy room. The myth of the Minotaur was passed from mouth to mouth. Briefly, people talked about what a cruel creature it is.

The mention of the Minotaur in most Athenians caused a feeling of fear. Residents were forced to regularly choose 7 representatives of both sexes of a young age every 9 years and send them to the palace with labyrinths. In this way, it was possible to appease the monster. Why just seven? This number from time immemorial among many nations belonged to the category of magic. Apparently, the Minotaur adhered to the same opinion.

But once among the "chosen ones" was Theseus, who was the son of King Aegeus, who ruled in Athens. With the advent of this man, the myth of the Minotaur received a special ending.

Who is Theseus?

From an early age, the boy was surrounded by the warmth of his mother Ephra, who at that time was the princess of Tesera. The father was not engaged in raising his son due to the fact that he was far from the family hearth. Before parting with his wife, Aegeus hid sandals and a sword under a heavy stone, which Theseus was supposed to take. The will of Aegeus was carried out by a sixteen-year-old son. Wanting to see his father, Theseus went to Athens, performing many feats along the way.

Even at school, everyone is studying the famous myth of the Minotaur. Summary you can read below.

How did Theseus deal with the Minotaur?

So, Theseus, who was to go to the Minotaur, was determined to put an end once and for all to the monstrous tradition of sacrifice, the need for people to live in constant fear.

One circumstance contributed to the success of the mission. The Cretan king had a daughter, Ariadne. Very strong feelings began between her and Theseus. Ariadne gave her lover a magical guiding thread so that he could navigate the labyrinth. Due to such a gift, the myth of the Minotaur ended well.

Theseus did everything as Ariadne taught him: he tied the end of the magic thread to the front door and lowered the ball to the floor. Following him through the intricate labyrinth, the brave warrior found the Minotaur sleeping in the lair. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he strangled the monster with his bare hands. Theseus was led out of the labyrinth by the same thread, which he wound into a ball all the way.

One can only imagine the joy and relief of people who learned that the Minotaur is no longer there. The winner, apparently, felt that he could not live without his beloved. Therefore, leaving the island, he kidnapped Ariadne. Fate decreed in its own way, on the way the deep sea took the girl. Probably, this did not happen without the participation of Poseidon. If not for the intrigues of the gods, then the myth of the Minotaur would have ended positively for the two lovers. The summary allows you to understand how the fate of the heroes developed.

Theseus was so saddened that he even forgot to change the flag on the ship - a conventional sign announcing victory. King Aegeus regarded the black flag on the sailing ship as the death of his son in a duel with a Cretan monster and rushed into the depths of the sea. In memory of the tragically deceased in which the king of Athens drowned, they called the Aegean.

After Theseus strangled the monster with the head of a bull, none of the mortals dared to enter the labyrinth. Thus ended the famous myth of the Minotaur.

A myth immortalized in the art and memory of the people

The authenticity of the story described above can, of course, be questioned. The palace, in which the Minotaur lived, although in a dilapidated form, was preserved. And this despite the historical period of almost four thousand years! The number of people wishing to visit Crete and get acquainted with the ancient mythical sights is not decreasing.

Images of the main characters of the myth of the Minotaur are present on the canvases of the paintings, vases are painted with them, they are presented in the form of sculptures. The impressive cost of these masterpieces of art does not hinder the demand for them. The memory of Theseus and Ariadne, thanks to whom mankind got rid of the evil monster, will live in the hearts of people for a very long time. Now you also know what events are described in the myth of the Minotaur.

Good afternoon friends! The Palace of Knossos in Crete is called the 8th wonder of the world. This title is claimed by more than a dozen attractions around the world. It is indisputable that the Palace of Knossos is a monument of the Minoan civilization. Twice it was rebuilt by the ancient inhabitants of Crete and twice it was destroyed by a terrible natural disaster. Centuries passed before archaeologists discovered the palace complex. The myth of the labyrinth and the terrible Minotaur living in it is associated with the Palace of Knossos. In what condition the palace is and whether it is possible to get lost in its corridors, we will tell today.

Greece. Crete. Among the 4 palaces of the Minoan era found by archaeologists (Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zakros), the Knossos Palace is the largest and most significant.

Scientists are sure that at least 2 more similar buildings are hidden on the island, and not 4 palaces, but 6 or even 7. Research is just to come. It is known for certain about the Palace of Knossos that it is he who is the main object of the Minoan culture that disappeared from the face of the earth.

Lost Civilization

When in books we come across stories about once great, but disappeared ancient civilizations, such as the civilization of the Atlanteans, the Aztecs, the Maya, two thoughts come to mind:

• Who would we be and how would we live if these cultures had not perished?
• and the second thought: why they died and how can we avoid their fate

The contribution of archaeologists to these studies is invaluable. Thanks to them, we learned that Minoan civilization was destroyed by a powerful earthquake and the accompanying tsunami.

In the history of the Minoan culture in Crete, there were 2 periods of prosperity and decline.

The first heyday of the Palace of Knossos from 2000 to 1700 BC. Then there was an earthquake and the palace was destroyed.

Then, quite quickly, a new palace was built on the same spot. Now it's time for scientists to wonder. It turns out that the Minoans had very advanced engineering technologies.

The second period of prosperity took about the next 2 centuries. It ended quickly and tragically. A volcanic eruption occurred on the island of Santorini, it dates back to 1628 - 1500 BC.

It is believed that part of the land went under water, and a giant tsunami swept over Crete, destroying all the palaces and settlements, and with them the entire Minoan civilization.

Archaeological excavations

The world saw the Knossos palace complex thanks to Arthur Evans, a learned archaeologist. In 1900, he decided to explore the mounds of this area. Evans gave 40 years of his life to his discovery. About how the excavations went and what was found as a result, he wrote 6 volumes detailed descriptions research.

The find turned out to be even more valuable than he could have imagined. The life of the palace was rich and rich in events.

There were halls for celebrations, ritual rooms, workshops and even a theater. There was even a fighting arena that could accommodate up to 500 spectators at a time. And, of course, the royal chambers, canteens and storage rooms.

Architecture is certainly interesting. But special respect is given to the layout of the sewerage and water supply systems.

The Mycenaean civilization in its development was far ahead of the achievements of the Greeks of the Achaeans. When the former were building aqueducts, the latter were still grazing goats.

By the way, we call this building a palace, and archaeologists and scientists are not yet completely sure that it really was a palace.

There is an opinion that this is, nevertheless, a complex of religious buildings.

Archaeological site

Fantasy draws a giant palace, streets, labyrinths, but what will we see on the spot?

The archaeological site is similar to other excavation sites in Greece: the sacred grove and temple of Zeus in Olympia, the Parthenon in Athens, the Peloponnese public health resort - Asklepion in Epidaurus, only more complete.

The Palace of Knossos is called the second main attraction of Greece after the Athenian Parthenon. This can be argued, but the fact that the palace is impressive and causes the effect of "Wow!" undoubtedly.

Today we can walk through the archaeological complex and see how it used to be here. The Greeks treat their culture very respectfully, so don't expect any spectacular replicas. Only history and archeology. And this is enough, because some fragments of the palace are well preserved.

• In the center of the courtyard. This is typical of all buildings of this period. The system of rooms and buildings can seem very confusing, and sometimes completely illogical.

• Rooms at different levels, corridors and stairs, unexpected secret rooms. It will be difficult to figure out the layout of the facilities on your own, we advise you to join the tour.
• Of interest are the columns: black and red, they taper towards the base. They are called "Minoan" because of this special shape.
• The frescoes are well preserved inside. On them are scenes from the life of the city, artisans, kings and gods, mythical animals, natural ornaments. Many wall paintings contain images of a fearsome bull with a human body.

Minotaur Labyrinth

In history Ancient Greece mythology and historical reality are so closely connected that even scientists find it difficult to understand. It is this palace that is associated with the history of King Minos, the son of Zeus the Thunderer and the Phoenician princess of Europe.

And with the labyrinth of the Minotaur. This monster has the body of a man, and the head of a bull.

The Minotaur lived in a gloomy labyrinth, which Daedalus built on the orders of the king. According to the bloodthirsty tradition, criminals and those who tried to enter the palace without permission were launched into the labyrinth. The monster treated them cruelly.

It all ended with the well-known legend of the hero Theseus. In order not to get lost in the labyrinth, he used the thread of Ariadne, got inside the labyrinth and defeated the Minotaur.

This legend has another, more plausible historical version: the son of King Minos Androgey was killed, and Aegeus (the father of Theseus, the king of the Athenians) was involved in his death. As punishment, the Athenians had to send boys and girls to Minos. These captives became slaves in the palace of Knossos.

And there was no terrible Minotaur at all - there was a teacher of King Minos, who was distinguished by his cruel temper and strength. He held gymnastic competitions (maybe it was fisticuffs) and won, until Theseus arrived and defeated him with a punch to the forehead.

Myths are myths, but the palace with all its intricate corridors and dead-end rooms is very similar to a labyrinth. On the walls there is often a sign "labros", or a double axe.

Therefore, some scientists believe that the palace is the labyrinth. The other is sure that the labyrinth is located in the mountains and is a series of interconnected caves.

As long as scientists present evidence for their point of view, we can choose the one we like best.

You can get lost in the numerous passages, especially when looking for the starting point for exploring the castle, but you are unlikely to get lost.

An interesting fact: the Minoan palaces did not have any defense system. Which leads scientists to conclude that there was a telassocracy in Crete. Those. the Minoan state lived at the expense of the sea, the fleet and controlled the coastal metropolitan cities.

You can purchase a complex ticket, which includes other attractions. For example, the Heraklion Museum, where the original paintings of the Knossos Palace and finds from other palaces are located.

Attractions nearby

• Hill of Kefala

Located near the palace. This place is important archaeological sites. Roman tombs have been found here. It was from here that Evans began his excavations. It seemed to him that this is where ancient city. For some time, Heinrich Schliemann also worked here, looking for his Troy.

• Heraklion

Very close to Knossos is the city of Heraklion. Many people say that there is absolutely nothing to see here, but this is not so. Here it is Archaeological Museum Crete, where the archaeological finds of the Minoan palaces are exhibited, the old fort of Kules, many interesting museums and cathedrals. From here it is easy to get to the ruins of the palace.

• Hersonissos

We will recommend another town for those who want to have great fun after the ruins. Hersonissos is the unofficial capital of the island. There are many nightclubs, dance parties and life is in full swing. In addition, this old City located between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.

Knossos palace on video

Working hours

Daily

• From June to October: 8:00 - 19:00
• From November to May: 8:00 - 15:00
• Saturday opening hours from 9.00 to 15.00

What is the price

• for adults - 6 euros
• preferential 3 euro
• children under 3 free of charge

Every first Sunday of the month, tickets are free for everyone.

How to get there

The easiest way to get there is from the city of Heraklion.

• From the main bus station every 30 minutes there is a bus to the ruins.
• You can take a bus stop near the Lion Fountain.
• If you come with your car, don't worry about parking. Near archaeological complex it's free

Address: Knossos Palace, Heraklion 71000

Knossos Palace on the map

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Minotaur- an ancient Greek monster with a human body and a bull's head, perhaps, is one of the most famous mythological creatures. The Minotaur, whose real name was Asterius, played the role of punishment for the sins of the Athenians before the Cretan king Minos. And every year, 7 young men and 7 girls, doomed to a terrible death, were supposed to hopelessly stray in his labyrinth.

The legend of the terrifying minotaur was detailed by Apollodorus, and it reads as follows: as a result of " civil war”, which took place in Crete, King Minos overthrew all his brothers and seized sole power on the island. In order to consolidate his victory, Minos needed to earn the patronage of the divine forces. To do this, he asked Poseidon to send to earth from sea ​​depths bull, then to sacrifice it to the glory of the Gods. However, Minos cheated, he kept the bull for himself, and sacrificed the most ordinary bull. Poseidon, angry at the betrayal of the new ruler, endowed the “sea” bull with a ferocious disposition, and curses Minos’ wife, Pasiphae, which consists in an irresistible love passion for this bull. Unable to resist the unnatural attraction, Pasiphae asks Master Delal, who was exiled to the island for murder, to come up with some way to satisfy his animal passion. The master helped the queen, and after that, she gives birth to an unusual child, who was named the Minotaur. The Minotaur was born with the head of a bull and the body of a man. On the advice of the oracles, Minos imprisons him in a labyrinth, which was built by the same Daedalus. The labyrinth was built in such a cunning way that one who got into it would no longer be able to return.

Every nine years the Athenians were forced to send seven boys and seven girls to be devoured by the monster. When Theseus had the lot to become a victim of the insatiable Minotaur, he decided to rid his homeland of such a duty. The daughter of the Cretan king Ariadne, who fell in love with the hero, gave him a magical ball of thread. If the end of the thread is tied to the door of the palace, the ball rolls itself to the center of the labyrinth, where the Minotaur was. Using a guiding thread, Theseus found a sleeping monster. killed the Minotaur and managed to safely find his way back through the plexus of labyrinth passages.

The myth of Theseus' confrontation with the Minotaur is one of the most popular stories of the ancient world, inspiring sculptors and artists to create immortal creations. Many ancient vases depicting a duel are known, numerous poems, a novel and even ballets have been created.

Minotaur, in ancient Greek mythology, a monster with a human body and a bull's head, who lived in a labyrinth on the island of Crete. The Minotaur, whose real name was Asterius, was born from Pasiphae, the wife of Minos. His father was a bull that came out of the sea, and according to another version - Poseidon himself. Minos hid his son in an underground labyrinth built by Daedalus. The labyrinth was so complex that not a single person who entered it could find a way out.

Minos suspected the Athenian king Aegeus of killing one of his sons and, in order to take revenge, he asked Jupiter to send a plague to Athens. The Athenians turned to the oracle for advice, who told them that the epidemic would stop only if they sent seven boys and seven girls to Crete every year to be devoured by the Minotaur.

Prince Theseus decided to save the Athenians from a terrible sacrifice and destroy the Minotaur. He replaced one of the young men who went to Crete. There, the hero was helped by Ariadne, the daughter of Minos, who was in love with him. She gave Theseus a thread that was supposed to help him get out of the labyrinth. Theseus entered the labyrinth and defeated the Minotaur.

Minotaur

The legend of the minotaur begins with a misdeed, the king of the island of Crete, Minos. Instead of sacrificing to the god Poseidon, he left the bull for himself. Enraged, Poseidon bewitched the wife of Minos, and she committed a terrible adultery with a bull. From this connection, a terrible half-bull, half-man, called the Minotaur, was born.

The architect Daedalus, who escaped from Greece, built the famous labyrinth in which the Minotaur was settled. Athens, which was guilty before the Cretan king - in order to avoid war, had to supply 14 boys and girls every year to feed the Minotaur.

Girls and boys from Athens were taken away by a mourning ship with black sails. One day, the Greek hero Theseus, the son of the ruler of Athens, Aegeus, asked his father about this ship and, having learned the terrible reason for the black sails, set out to kill the Minotaur. Having asked his father to let him go instead of one of the young men intended for feeding, he agreed with him that if he defeats the monster, then the sails on the ship will be white, if not, then they will remain black.

In Crete, before going to dinner with the Minotaur, Theseus charmed the daughter of Minos Ariadne. The girl who fell in love before entering the labyrinth gave Theseus a ball of thread, which he unwound as he moved deeper and deeper into the labyrinth. In a terrible battle, the hero defeated the monster, and returned along the thread of Ariadne to the exit. On the way back, he set off already with Ariadne.

However, Ariadne was to become the wife of one of the gods, and Theseus was not part of their plans at all. Dionysius, namely, Ariadne was to become his wife, demanded from Theseus that he leave her. but Theseus was stubborn and did not listen. Angered by the gods, they sent a curse on him, which made him forget about the promise given to his father, he forgot to change the sails from black to white.

The father, seeing a galley with black sails, rushed into the sea, which was called the Aegean.

Sources: www.onelegend.ru, godsbay.ru, krit.info, bobfilm.net, animalspace.net

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