 | Exterior of the Throne Room
Within a short time after he began excavations, Evans uncovered a room known as the "Throne Room" because of the throne that was found inside. As one can tell from this picture, certain parts of the Palace of Knossos have been heavily restored and painted. Evans's restoration of the site has been highly controversial. Critics believe remains should remain in situ- exactly in the location where they were found. Supporters of Evans state that his restorations were necessary (many of the wall beams had decayed) and that the restorations give one a better feel for what the Minoan palace may have looked like.
|
 | Anteroom of the Throne Room
In the anteroom of the throne room one sees a wooden replica of the throne that was found in the main room. Evans had this wooden model constructed on the site where Evans found a quantity of charred wood. Stone benches of gypsum, which were blackened by the fire which destroyed the palace, stand alongside the north and south walls. Evans also placed a stone basin, which he had found in corridor outside of the room, in the anteroom because Evans believed the basin contained the water necessary for the purification to enter the throne room. |
 | The Throne Room
Through a double portal with modern wooden railings in the anteroom one can look into the actual throne room. Stone benches run around three of the walls, with a space left for the famous Throne of Minos. The Throne of Minos was discovered in its exact location and is likely the oldest throne in Europe. The throne is made of gypsum in imitation of a wooden original, and traces of red and white plaster are still visible upon it. In modern times it has been used as a model for the chair of the President of the International Court at the Hague. To the right and left of the throne are copies of the famous wall paintings with griffins, mythical creatures with a lion's body and an eagle's head.
|
 | The Bull Dancing Fresco
In the East Wing of the palace, one finds a copy of the famous "Bull Dancing Fresco" (the original is in the Herakleion Museum). In the fresco one sees three stages of the sport: the acrobat first grabs the horns of the animal, then he somersaults on its back, and finally jumps off. Some scholars have suggested that the practice of bull dancing gave rise to the legend that youths were devoured by the Minotaur. Professor J.W. Graham has even suggested that the sport took place in the central court of the palace, i.e. within the mythical labyrinth.
|
 | The Grand Staircase
The Grand Staircase stands in the East Wing of the Palace. A great vertical cutting in the slope there created a terrace that was big enough for a four or five storey building, two of which are below the central court of the palace. The Grand Staircase was one of the greatest achievements of Minoan architecture.
|
 | The Horns of Consecration
On the South Propylaeum of the palace, one can see the reconstructed, stylized bull horns. Evans called these the "Horns of Consecration," perhaps mirroring the double peaks of Mt. Jukus which is visible from a distance in this location.
|
 | The Royal Road of Knossos
In this picture, one sees the remains of the beginning of what is likely the oldest road in Europe, called the Royal Road. The road at Knossos connected the main palace and what has become known as the "Little Palace" (the Little Palace is now closed to the public). The Little Palace was likely as grand as the main palace, and was likely used to house other members of the royal family. |