Zakros is a site on the eastern coast of the island of Crete (in modern-day Greece) containing ruins from the Minoan civilization. It is believed to have been one of the four main administrative centers of the Minoans, and its protected harbor and strategic location made it an important commercial hub for trade to the east.
The town was dominated by the Palace of Zakros, originally built around 1900 BC, rebuilt around 1600 BC, and destroyed around 1450 BC along with the other major centers of Minoan civilization. Extensive ruins of the palace remain, and are a popular tourist destination.
Zakros is sometimes divided into Epano Zakros (Upper Zakros), the portion higher up on the hillside, and Kato Zakros (Lower Zakros), the part near the sea. A ravine known as the "Ravine of the Dead" runs through both the upper and lower parts of the ancient site, named after the numerous burials that have been found in the caves along its walls.
The town was dominated by the Palace of Zakros, originally built around 1900 BC, rebuilt around 1600 BC, and destroyed around 1450 BC along with the other major centers of Minoan civilization.
Zakros is sometimes divided into Epano Zakros (Upper Zakros), the portion higher up on the hillside, and KatoZakros (Lower Zakros), the part near the sea.
Zakros was first excavated by D.G. Howarth of the British School of Archaeology at Athens and 12 houses were unearthed before the site was abandoned.
KatoZakros consists of few homes and a row of tavernas which line the beach and serve the tour bus passengers who arrive there for the day, attracted by the Minoan palace ruins which can be found about one hundred meters inland.
KatoZakros is about a forty-five minute drive from Zakros, but many opt to reach the palace by a two hour trek through the spectacular gorge which connects the two villages and is known as the "Valley of the Dead" because of the cave tombs which are carved on its walls.
I drove from Zakros and wrapped around the rocky mountain until after one sweeping bend of the road I was confronted with the sheltered bay which served as the safe harbor for the Minoan fleet and modern fishermen alike.
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