It was one century ago this past March when Arthur Evans, an English scholar, started his excavations at Knossos on the island of
It was one century ago this past March when Arthur Evans, an English scholar, started his excavations at Knossos on the island of
Originally a journalist, Evans spent his decades and his personal fortune employing scores of Cretan workers to dig and restore the sprawling complex of ruins in the scenic Kairatos valley. He was later knighted for his efforts.
Much of his restoration has been withering over the last hundred years, and the Ministry of Culture has spent some 600 million drachma on restoring Evans` restorations. A second program is in the planning stage, with a similar budget, this time with European Union contribution. Part of these newer plans include a tram system from the city of Herakleion to Knossos, a run of some five kilometers.
The colorful Minoan palace, with its four story stairway, throne room, domestic quarters with the world`s first flushing toilet utilizing stored rain water (for the queen) draws an estimated one million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular sites in Greece. The prime tour for all cruise ships calling at the island of Crete is of the palace of Knossos.
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