The Minotaur is a monster from the Cretan labyrinth. The Legend of the Palace of Knossos and the Labyrinth of the Minotaur The Myth of the Labyrinth of the Minotaur

14.06.202227.05.2017

Is the most visited archaeological park of Crete. It is located in the heart of the island, areas. Surrounded by dozens of legends and myths, the palace annually attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Do you want to know more about the history of its creation? Then you are on the right track!

So, there lived in Ancient Greece a certain Minos, the son of the princess of Europe and the god Zeus. When the son grew up, Zeus made him king of the island of Crete, where he himself was once born and spent his childhood.

In turn, Minos married the beautiful Pasiphae, the daughter of the sun god Helios and the beautiful Perseid. Simultaneously with the marriage, Minos asked Poseidon, the patron saint of the seas, to help him strengthen his power on the island - the Cretans did not particularly revere Minos. And Poseidon heeded the prayers of the latter, sending a beautiful white bull to Crete, which Minos was supposed to sacrifice to the gods.

And everything would be fine if Pasiphae, the wife of Minos, did not fall in love with this very bull. And not only fell in love, but also gave birth to a son from him - the Minotaur. But the child turned out not to be human at all - one half of his body was healthy, and the other was bovine. To hide her shame, Pasiphae asked the architect Daedalus to build a labyrinth in which the Minotaur would be imprisoned until the end of his days.

Daedalus at that time lived in Athens, but at the request of the Cretan queen, he moved to Crete with his son Icarus, immediately starting the construction of the labyrinth. They say that this labyrinth was so confusing that even its creator Daedalus himself could not find a way out of there!

Seeing the skilful work of Daedalus, King Minos asked him to build a royal palace next to the Labyrinth - Knossos. Yes, yes, this is where you will come with a tour! By the way, Knossos dates back to at least the 7th century. BC, and for its venerable age, it is perfectly preserved!

Having finished work on the palace of Minos and the Labyrinth, Daedalus was about to leave the island. However, Minos decided to make the master his personal architect, and refused to let him go free. Well, we think everyone knows about the legend about Daedalus and Icarus - the wise architect made wings from beeswax for himself and his son, and so they fled from Crete together. But the young man rose too high into the sky, so that the sun melted the wax on his wings, and he crashed on the sea rocks. That is why there is such a sea in Greece - Icarian.

But, back to Minos and his palace. In addition to the Minotaur, he and his wife also had a common child, a beautiful young man named Androgey. And once Androgey went to Athens for sports, where he was mercilessly killed. Enraged Minos could not forgive the death of his son, sentenced Athens to lifelong tribute - the city was obliged to send 7 of the most beautiful young men and 7 girls to Crete every 9 years to be devoured by the monster Minotaur.

The last myth about Knossos is the story of the thread of Ariadne. So, the Minotaur inside the Labyrinth not only lived, ate and slept, but also did business. He guarded the magical Golden Fleece, which turned everything around into pure gold. The Athenian Theseus decided to steal this fleece and kill the Minotaur, thus freeing his city from a terrible tribute. Then, having gathered the Argonauts, the famous ship Argo, led by Theseus, went to Crete. Undoubtedly, the young men would have died if it were not for Ariadne - the daughter of King Minos fell in love with Theseus, and secretly gave him a ball of threads, with the help of which the Argonauts found a way out of the labyrinth. The Minotaur was killed, the fleece was stolen, and Ariadne fled with Theseus from her father's house.

Here it is, the mythical Palace of Knossos. Don't believe? See for yourself! Price entrance ticket — € 6, opening hours 8.00-19.00 during the summer months and 8.00-15.00 from November to May.

Myths of Ancient Greece tell about the existence of Knossos (Knossos Palace), where King Minos ruled, and a terrible monster lived in the Labyrinth of his palace, the Minotaur - a creature with a bull's head and a human body, eating human flesh!

But in short, it all began with the fact that the mighty Zeus, the supreme god of Olympus, saw the beautiful Europe, the daughter of a wealthy Phoenician king. I saw and desired. In order not to frighten the girl and her friends, he took the form of a wonderful bull. His fur shone, his golden horns were curved, and a silver spot burned on his forehead like a moon. The bull's breath was fragrant with ambrosia, and the whole air was filled with this aroma. A miraculous bull appeared in a clearing and approached the maidens, among whom was Europe, when they frolicked and picked flowers. The maidens surrounded the marvelous animal and gently stroked it. The bull approached Europe, licked her hands and caressed her. Then quietly lay down at her feet, offering to sit on it.

Laughing, Europe sat down on the bull's broad back. Other girls wanted to sit next to her. But suddenly the bull jumped up and rushed to the sea. Like the wind, the golden-horned bull rushed, then he rushed into the sea and quickly, like a dolphin, swam through the azure waters. The waves of the sea parted before him, and soon they appeared in the sea distance of the shores of Crete. Zeus the bull quickly swam to him with his precious burden and went ashore. Europa became the wife of Zeus and lived in Crete ever since. TShe had three sons from Zeus: Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpidon. Later, Europa married King Asterion of Crete, who adopted the children of Zeus. After the death of Asterion, the eldest son, Minos, became king. He married Pasiphae, daughter of the sun god Helios and the nymph Kriti. They had 4 sons and 4 daughters, including the beautiful Ariadne. Together they lived in the palace of Knossos.

During one great feast, Minos wanted to make a sacrifice in honor of Poseidon, the god of the sea, and asked him that Poseidon send a magnificent animal for this (this is a strange way to make sacrifices, first asking them;). In response, Poseidon sent a beautiful white bull out of the sea. So beautiful that Minos took pity on him and sacrificed another bull. Poseidon was very angry, and in order to punish Minos, he inspired the voluptuous queen Parsifai with an insane passion for a white bull. To satisfy her perverse passion, Parsifai turned to the famous master Daedalus. Daedalus made an empty effigy of a cow, and when Parsiphae entered this effigy, the bull was reunited with her. From this disgusting copulation the Minotaur was born, a monster with a human body and a bull's head. In order to avoid a scandal, King Minos locked the Minotaur in labyrinth, a complex structure that Daedalus built for this.

The further fate of the white bull is unknown.

Further, the myth tells about Androgeos, the son of Minos, who took part in the games in Athens and became the winner in all sports disciplines. Some of the offended Athenians ambushed and killed him. This murder aroused the wrath of Minos, he immediately declared war on Athens and went on a campaign. The compensation that he demanded from the Athenian king Aegeus was much tougher and more shameful than the defeat of Athens itself: every 9 years, Aegeus had to send 7 girls and 7 boys to the Labyrinth. They were locked in the huge palace of the Labyrinth, where they were devoured by a terrible monster.

Theseus and the Minotaur

The son of the Athenian king, the young hero Theseus, decided to stop paying this terrible tribute and protect the innocent. When the ambassadors from Crete arrived for the third time for the due tribute, everyone in Athens was plunged into deep sadness and equipped a ship with black sails, Theseus voluntarily entered the number of young men sent to Crete, with the sole purpose of killing the Minotaur. King Aegeus categorically did not want to let go of his only son, but Theseus insisted on his own.

In Crete, at Knossos, the mighty king of Crete immediately drew attention to a beautiful muscular youth. He was also noticed by the daughter of Minos, Ariadne. Ariadne was fascinated by Theseus and decided to help him. Knowing that the Labyrinth was built in such a way that those who got there could never find a way out, she secretly gave Theseus a sharp sword and a ball (Ariadne's thread) secretly from her father, which helped him not to get lost. Theseus tied the thread at the entrance, and entered the Labyrinth, gradually unwinding the ball. Theseus walked further and, finally, he saw the Minotaur. With a formidable roar, bowing his head with huge sharp horns, the Minotaur rushed at the hero. A terrible battle began. Finally, Theseus grabbed the Minotaur by the horn and plunged his sharp sword into his chest. Having killed the Minotaur, Theseus found a way out with the help of a ball of thread and brought out all the Athenian boys and girls. Theseus quickly equipped his ship and, having cut through the bottom of all the ships of the Cretans, hastily set off on his return journey. Ariadne also left Knossos and sailed away with Theseus.

However, Ariadne and Theseus were not destined to live together happily ever after. Theseus had to yield Ariadne to the god Dionysus. She didn't make it to Athens. The goddess was Ariadne, the wife of the great Dionysus. But that's another story...

The ship of Theseus rushed on its black sails across the azure sea, approaching the shores of Attica. Theseus, saddened by the loss of Ariadne, forgot about the agreement with his father - he had to replace the black sails with white ones in case of a safe return. Aegeus was waiting for his son. A dot appeared in the distance, now it grows, approaching the shore, and it is already clear that this is his son's ship, a ship under black sails. So Theseus is dead! In desperation, Aegeus threw himself from a high cliff into the sea, and the waves washed his lifeless body ashore. Since then, the sea in which Aegeus died has been called the Aegean.

At this time, in the palace of Knossos, Daedalus, who was being held captive by Minos so that he would not leave and reveal the secret of the Labyrinth, was planning his escape. With the help of artificial wings, which were held together with wax, he flew away with his son Icarus. Then you probably know everything. Icarus, fascinated by the flight, flew too high to the sun, the hot sun's rays melted the wax, and ... Icarus was called the sea in which young Icarus died.

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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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. The island of 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 the Minoan civilization was destroyed as a result of a powerful earthquake and the tsunami that accompanied it.

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 the history of 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 is an important archaeological site. 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 is the Archaeological Museum of Crete, where archaeological finds of the Minoan palaces, the old fort of Kules, many interesting museums and cathedrals are exhibited. 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 is an ancient 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.

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

Address: Knossos Palace, Heraklion 71000

Knossos Palace on the map

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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, descended 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 beautiful girls and seven young men to Crete, who were given to be torn to pieces by 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-Delphinius himself, the patron saint of sea travel, 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, so that in case of victory he would find his way back along it. 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 the bottom of all the ships of the Cretans 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 to Theseus in a dream 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 was speeding along on its black sails, cutting through the waves of the sea. 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.

At the 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 ...