Knossos is a city on Crete - the first Neolithic settlement was built c. 7000 BC, and the first palace dates to c. 1900 BC. BC. It was the center of the Minoan civilization. An unknown natural catastrophe weakened the Minoan civilisation, which was subsequently conquered by Mycenians c. 1370 BC.
Knossos was repopulated around 1000 BC and it remained one of the most important centres of Crete. In Hellenistic times Knossos came under Egyptian influence. In the 3rd century BC, Knossos expanded its power to dominate almost the entire island.
In 67 BC, the Roman Senate chose Gortys as the capital of the newly created province Creta et Cyrene. In 36 BC, Knossus became a Roman colony named Colonia Iulia Nobilis. The colony, which was built using Roman-style architecture, was situated within the vicinity of the Palace, but only a small part of it has been excavated.
Knossos was repopulated around 1000 BC and it remained one of the most important centres of Crete. In Hellenistic times Knossos came under Egyptian influence. In the 3rd century BC, Knossos expanded its power to dominate almost the entire island.
In 67 BC, the Roman Senate chose Gortys as the capital of the newly created province Creta et Cyrene. In 36 BC, Knossus became a Roman colony named Colonia Iulia Nobilis. The colony, which was built using Roman-style architecture, was situated within the vicinity of the Palace, but only a small part of it has been excavated.
Modern location: Ruins