Featured Destination: Crete (part 1 of 5)

GEOGRAPHY. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. It is outstanding not only on account of its geographical situation but, primarily because of its long history and exceptional cultural contribution. The island is 8261 sq. km. in area, has 1046 km. of coastline and a population of 536.980. It is separated administratively into four Prefectures, coinciding with its geographical division. The Prefecture of Herakleion (capital Herakleion) and the Prefecture of Rethymnon (capital Rethymnon) in Central Crete, the Prefecture of Lasithi (capital Aghios Nikolaos) in East Crete and the Prefecture of Chania (capital Chania) in West Crete. The numerous islets fringing the shores of Crete also belong to it (Dia, Mikronisi, Chrysi, Gavdos).

HISTORY. The island's unique geographical position, in the centre of the Mediterranean, played a decisive role in its historical development for it has always been a crossroads of civilizations, as well as a focal point for all manner of invaders. During its turbulent history it suffered numerous plunderous incursions and conquests. It is impossible to give a detailed account of its history, sights and historical monuments in a brief text such as this, which only furnishes basic, essential information.

Crete is characterized by its diversity of landscape and marked contrasts. The island is dominated by a major mountain range extending from west to east, the highest peak beingborder="0" src="images/crete_map.jpg" width="400" height="227" align="left" hspace="5" vspace="5" alt="Crete Island Map"> Mt. Ida -Psiloreitis (2948 m. a.s.l.). There are fertile valleys between the mountains, extensive plains (Mesara, Hierapetra, Herakleion, Chania) and gorges, the best-known being that of Samaria. The most outstanding feature of the Cretan mountains are the plateaus, large and small, the most famous of all being those of Omalos and Lasithi. Variety is the key-note of the Cretan landscape. In some parts there are woods and forests, green plains and in others the terrain is barren. The climate in the south is mild but the winters are harsh in the mountains. The south coast of Crete, facing the Libyan Sea, is the most precipitous, while the north is much gentler and most of the conurbations have developed there. The island was first inhabited in Neolithic times (6000 BC). Between 2800 and 1400 BC a unique civilization developed there, one of the most important in the ancient world and called Minoan after the mythical king Minos. Magnificent palaces were built (Knossos, Phaisto: Mallia, Zakros, as well as country houses, an art and commerce flourished. Crete's influence spread throughout the Mediterranea basin. The Minoan palaces were destroyed ii around 1400 BC as a consequence of the eruption of the Thera volcano, Achaeans settled there and its acme in all aspects of life came an end. There were gradual changes in t ensuing centuries up until 69 BC when Crete was captured by the Romans, becoming p of the African province of Cyrenia. In 330A became a province of the Byzantine empire and its center, as in Roman times, was Go This phase of prosperity continued until 8 AD when it was conquered by the Saracens who set sail from Crete on their hostile sorties against other provinces of the Byzantine empire. In 961 AD the emperor Nicephorus Phocas liberated the island and installed Christian colonizers in order to swell the depleted population. In the years following, Crete once again was a hive of cultural activity, now centered on Herakleion. With the Fall of Constantinople to the Franks (1204) it came into the hands of Venice which purchased the isle for a token sum from Boniface Monferrat, to whom it had been presented by the Latin emperor of Constantinople. The Venetians assumed full command in 1210 and imposed the feudal system. The island was constantly plagued by insurrections until the mid-14th century when it was declared an independent republic. It then entered a phase of pre-eminence in sea-faring, commerce, becoming a major transit port.

In 1538 the coasts of Crete were laid waste by the pirate Khayr ad Din Barbarossa and thence forth the Turkish threat loomed ever larger. Its economic floruit under the Venetians was accompanied by notable cultural achievements during the 15th and 16th century, particularly in art and literature. From 1669 to 1898 the island was occupied by the Turks, intransigent and rapacious masters. Crete took part in the Struggle for Independence in 1821 and in the Protocol of 1830 was ceded to Mehmet Ali of Egypt who held it until 1841. There followed another period of internal strife until the 1879 rebellion, after which Prince George was appointed Governor General. In 1912 Crete was incorporated in the Greek state. In 1923 refugees from Asia Minor flocked to the island and during the Second World War it fought obdurately against the enemy occupiers. Among Crete's distinguished sons in the world of art and letters are Domenicus Theotokopoulos (El Greco) and Nikos Kazantzakis, and in the history of Modern Greece the politicians Eleftherios and Sophocles Venizelos. The island's capital today is Herakleion, population 102,398, a convenient place from which to get to know not only its environs but central Crete in general.

Next month: Crete, Part Two - Central Crete (Herakleion)

Some products to help prepare you for your trip to Crete...
Crete - The Crossrads of Three Continets - Travel Guide	Ancient Crete Sweatshirt	T-Shirt Sweatshirt	Map of Kriti (Crete) Chania Rethimno Iraklio Lassithi	Crete - The Crossrads of Three Continets - Travel Guide	Traditional Greek Dances of Crete, Asia Minor and Pontos DVD (NTSC)
Crete - Herakleio - Travel Guide	Crete Girl Costume for ages 6-14 Style 227401	Crete Woman Costume Style 300019	Crete Man Costume Style 229109	Crete Man Costume Style 217403	Crete Boy Costume for ages 4-14 Style 644005
Cruise Greece DVD (NTSC)	Discover Greece DVD: Rhodes, Kos, Leros, Samos, Chios, Patmos	Discover Greece 6 DVD Set	Greece - A Guide to the Archaeological Sites - Travel Guide	777 Greek Islands - Travel Guide	The Most Beautiful Villages of Greece

  May 2009 Greek Orthodox Calendar

Icons depicting the celebrated Saint, make great gifts for namedays, as do our custom-made Greek name mugs. Shop among our great collection of gift ideas at our store. We also have a great selection of greeting cards for birthdays, holidays, namedays and special occasions.

Gold and Silver Icons, and Hand-painted Icons	Greek Name Mug Cups	Greeting Cards
Want to know more about Orthodox Saints? Complete biographies of Orthodox Saints are now available.

 Share With Others!

 Suggestions & Comments

 Subscription Information

Missed an issue of our newsletter? Now you can access past newsletters by visiting
http://www.greekshops.com/newsletters_archive

To unsubscribe from our mailing list, click here