Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands. It has a total land area of 3,219 square miles.

NASA photograph of Crete

The Cretan Minoian Culture started in the 15th century before Christ. They chose kings to rule over them for seven years each.

The palace of Knossos had a labyrinth, where visitors would get lost unless they used a string behind them to find their way back.

The Cretans were the first people to build stone theaters where many people were amused by parades and music.

In about 1450 B.C., the Greek Mycenaeans captured Crete, after Knossos had been shaken by an earthquake.

Cretan men of 1500BC wore only a short loincloth. It was fastened at the waist by a wide belt. This was tightly cinched to give the effect of a very small waist and round, full hips.

Women's clothing of the same era was designed to produce the same results. It consisted of a long, full, multitiered skirt and a small jacket. The skirt was brightly colored and patterned. The jacket covered only the back and arms.

The island was ruled by Muslim Arabs and called the Emirate of Crete from the 820s until the Siege of Chandax, which lasted from autumn 960 until spring 961. The Emirate was known for pirate activities .

On March 6, 961 the main Muslim fortress and capital of the island, Chandax (modern Heraklion) was captured by the Byzantines. With the capture of Chandax, the rest of Crete quickly capitulated to the Byzantine army, and the island was brought back under the suzerainty of Constantinople.

Depiction of the siege of Chandax from the history of John Skylitzes

Venice secured Crete as a colony in 1212. During Venice's rule, which lasted more than four centuries, a Renaissance swept through the island as is evident from the plethora of artistic works dating to that period.

The Ottomans conquered Crete in 1669, after the siege of Candia.

Crete, having obtained self rule from Turkey after the First Balkan War, was annexed by Greece on December 1, 1913.

The Battle of Crete, which took place from May 20 to June 1, 1941, was a significant conflict during World War II. It involved the invasion of Crete by German forces, making it the first primarily airborne invasion in military history.

The German forces, under the command of General Kurt Student, utilized paratroopers and gliders to launch a large-scale assault on the island. Despite facing strong resistance from Allied forces, including Greek, Australian, New Zealand, and British troops, the German forces managed to secure control of Crete on June 1, 1941.

Cretan civilians played a significant role in resisting the Axis occupation during World War II, often using unconventional methods. Many accounts describe civilians attacking German paratroopers as they landed, using knives, axes, scythes, and even their bare hands. This fierce resistance was a testament to the Cretans' determination to defend their homeland.   

Crete has the highest ratio of guns per person in the European Union, which they use for festivities. They fire their guns during baptisms, weddings and other social events. In fact, during birthday parties, some people give themselves a 21-gun salute.

Sources Travelzoo UK, Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia © 1998 The Learning Company, Inc.