Ancient Gortyna in Crete

Heraklion Sights & Monuments - Discover the fascinating history and secrets of Ancient Gortyna in Crete - the former Roman capital. Legend has it that this was where Zeus and Europe were conceived by the first king of Crete, Minos, in his first palace. Today, less than half of Gortyna has been excavated and studied, leaving the possibility of uncovering Minos' palace. Originally built on the ruins of a destroyed Minoan city from the 9th century BC, Gortyna became a city-state with a port like Matala, and established unique laws that remained unchanged even after the Roman conquest in 67 BC. During this time, Gortyna served as the capital of Crete and Kyrenia, African Roman territories, while its residents dutifully assisted the Romans in suppressing anti-Roman rebellion. Later, with the spread of Christianity on the island, Gortyna's cultural heritage became an interweaving of Minoan, Mycenaean, Roman, and early Byzantine cultures. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories of Ancient Gortyna at the Gortyna Archaeological Park.

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