Destruction of the First Palaces: What Happened
Around 1700 BC, the first great palaces of Minoan Crete at Knossos, Phaistos and Malia were destroyed. The damage was widespread and happened at roughly the same time across the island, which is why most scholars believe powerful earthquakes were responsible, though fires and possibly conflict may have played a part. Crete sits in one of the most earthquake-prone zones of the Mediterranean, and signs of collapsed walls and burned buildings appear at several sites from this period. Instead of marking the end of Minoan civilization, the disaster became a new beginning. The Minoans cleared the ruins and rebuilt their palaces on an even larger and more elaborate scale, with multi-story wings, grand staircases, light wells, painted frescoes and advanced drainage. This rebuilding opened the so-called New Palace period, which lasted until about 1450 BC and marked the golden age of Minoan Crete. At Phaistos, visitors can still see parts of the older palace preserved beneath the newer one, a clear reminder of how the Minoans recovered and flourished after catastrophe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the first Minoan palaces destroyed?
Most scholars believe powerful earthquakes destroyed the first palaces around 1700 BC. The damage happened across Crete at about the same time, though fires and possibly conflict may also have played a part.
Is Crete prone to earthquakes?
Yes. Crete lies in one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the Mediterranean, near the boundary between the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. Earthquakes have shaped the island's history for thousands of years.
Did the Minoan civilization end after the palaces were destroyed?
No. The Minoans rebuilt their palaces on an even larger scale, which began the New Palace period, the golden age of Minoan civilization, lasting until about 1450 BC.
What was the New Palace period?
The New Palace period, from around 1700 to 1450 BC, was the height of Minoan Crete. The rebuilt palaces had multiple stories, grand staircases, light wells, painted frescoes and advanced drainage systems.
Where can you see remains of the older palaces?
At Phaistos in southern Crete, visitors can see parts of the older palace preserved beneath the later one. Remains of the first palaces also survive in lower levels at Knossos and Malia.
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