Heraklion History

The ancient history of Heraklion is strongly associated with the Minoan Palace of Knossos. Ancient historians like Strabo refer to Heraklion as the port of Knossos, the center of the Minoan civilization, which reached its peak from the 16th to the 14th century BC. Excavations have revealed a prosperous society that based its economy on agriculture and trade.

The Minoans developed an extensive trading network and built monumental palatial centers that stood out for their advanced drainage and water supply systems. They also made beautiful pots to store their trading goods, usually olive oil, cereals, and wine. This was a peaceful society, archaeologists believe, since no fortifications protected the towns. The space-planning of the era is impressive and so are the frescoes discovered in the palace of Knossos. This civilization was destroyed in about 1470 BC when the volcanic eruption of Santorini raised tsunami waves in the Aegean and covered these towns in ashes.

Medieval Era

The centuries that followed were not very prosperous for Crete. Only in the Hellenistic and Roman times, when Ancient Gortyn was established in southern Heraklion, was there some development. Then, Crete became part of the Byzantine Empire but it was frequently raided by pirates.

During the 9th century, the Arabs occupied Crete and founded a new town called Rabdh al Khandak (Castle of the Ditch) at the site of Heraklion. During the following century, the Byzantines took over the island once more and remained in control until the 13th century. In 1204, the city of Heraklion was occupied by the Venetians, who ruled Crete for four centuries. This was the most prosperous period for Heraklion with a great development in arts, trade, architecture, and literature. Many intellectuals and artists found refuge there after the fall of Constantinople in 1453.

The Venetians constructed a series of important works, some of which have survived to this day. The town was adorned with magnificent edifices, such as the Ducal Palace, the Loggia, the Morosini Fountain, a number of splendid mansions and over 120 churches. The construction of the defensive Venetian walls lasted for a whole century and the strategic importance of these fortifications was revealed in the battle between the Ottomans and the Venetians, which lasted for 21 years. Having passed down in history as the Siege of Candia, it is the second-longest siege in history after that of Ceuta. 

Recent Years

After the siege was lifted, the Venetians were forced to abandon the town. Over the following centuries, times of peace alternated with numerous Cretan revolts, which were vigorously suppressed by the Turks. Eventually, in 1898 the island gained its autonomy with the establishment of the Cretan State. It was finally united with the rest of Greece in 1913.

Again, due to its strategic position, Heraklion was attacked by German forces in 1941. The war caused considerable destruction and the city was largely damaged. Today, a plethora of Venetian monuments still survive in the town, like the old defensive walls that enclose Heraklion, the emblematic Koules Fortress, and other constructions of Western European architectural influence.

On top of a hill outside the walls lies the tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis, a famous Cretan writer, and near the Jesus Bastion, there is also the Nikos Kazantzakis Theater.