Crete History ☼ notable dates

  • From 7000 B.C. (neolithic age), the Island of Crete is invaded by people coming from Anatolia. These people practise agriculture and breeding. The oldest potteries are found on the archaelogical site of Knossos and Phaistos. Worship of “Grand Mother”, fertility goddess.
  • 2600-2100 B.C. – prepalatial period: New migrants come from the East. The potteries are more delicate, the copper and bronze work becomes widespread.
  • 2100-1650 B.C. – protopalatial period: The island of Crete reaches its notable position in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • 1650-1450 B.C. – neopalatial period: After several natural disasters, propably earthquakes and floodings due to Santorini volcano, bigger sites like Knossos are built again.
  • 1450-1200 B.C.postpalatial period: The Minoan culture is rapidly on the wane. The Mycenaeans invade the island of Crete.
  • 1200-67 av. J.-C.: The island of Crete lives according to the Dorian social organisation and in the shade of the Greek classical culture.
  • 67 av. J.-C. – 395: The island of Crete belongs to the Roman Empire. Gortyn becomes the capital of Crete and the province which includes Cyrenaica.
  • 395-824: The Island of Crete is part of the Byzantine Empire.
  • 824-961: Arabic conquering.
  • 961-1204: Reconquest By the Byzantines.
  • 1204-1669: After Constantinople is taken by the crusaders, the island of Candia (Crete) becomes Venitian.
  • 1669: The Turkish conquer Heraklion and control the island for more than 200 years.
  • 1898: The island of Crete, headed by Prince George of Greece, becomes independent.
  • 1913: The island of Crete is linked to Greece.

Presentation of the Island of Crete >>>