History of Crete
The origin of the people who settled in Crete in 2600 BC is
unknown, they are peaceful, progressive, creative and, most
importantly, they know how to sail. In the next 1000 years that
follow the Cretans make their country a huge naval and
commercial power. The big economic power of the island is
clearly to been seen at the remains that where found during
excavations in Knossos. Huge palaces with many rooms, adorned
with rare paintings exude the joy of life, kindness and
delicacy, fortless cities showing the peaceful mood and strength
of the Cretans and the security that gave them the number of
their ships and their naval power.
The terrible destruction is taking place in 1450 BC and
incursions of the Achaeans of the Peloponnese lead Minoan Crete
in depression and despair. And when in 1100 BC reach the first
waves of Dorians, Crete was occupied without resistance. From
the 8th BC century begins in Crete, the Greek period.
In the 5th and 4th BC century there are in Crete the cities of
Gortyn, Eleftherna, Cydonia, Pytos, Praisos and others.
In Hellenistic times, independent and autonomous Greek cities of
the island make alliances internal and external with other
cities and establish the "common of Cretans" based in Knossos.
In 75 BC Crete faces the first Roman invasion and repel. In 69
BC The Romans are coming for the second time against Crete and
after three-year struggles occupy the island and crete becomes a
Roman province. From 63 until 66 AD the island accepts the
influence of Christianity and establish its first Christian
church with Bishop Tito, associate of the Apostle Paul.
From 395 AD Crete falls in the eastern Roman Empire and knows a
peaceful and happy period of up to 824 AD, when conquered by the
Arabs and suffered badly throughout the duration of which lasted
136 years.
In 961 AD released by General Nicephorus Phocas.
The Venetians occupied the island in 1212, after hard struggles
that lasted eight years and eleven times rebelled, until 1603,
when the Venetians gave important privileges to the Cretan
people. The Venetian occupation, which lasted almost four
centuries, had a significant influence on art and literature of
Crete, seriously influenced by western elements.
In 1717 Crete was completely surrendered to the Turks after
battles that lasted many years and where the Cretans fought
together with the Venetians, who finally capitulated and
abandoned the last of their forts.
Until the revolution of 1821, the people of Crete revolted
twice: in 1692 and 1770.
In 1866, a new revolution in Crete, after Turkey refused to
recognize the claim of Crete for a union with Greece. The flag
of the Revolution unfolds throughout Crete and sounds just a
slogan: Union or Death.
The heroic struggle of the Cretans and the holocaust of Arkadi
had caused the admiration of the world and thousands of
volunteers rushed to help the island in its struggle.
On September 24, 1868 the major powers proclaim the island
autonomous principality, but the revolutionary situation in the
island lasted until 1878, when, with the new revolution, the
Cretans have more privileges. In 1897 England, France, Russia
and Italy, take the island under their protection and proclaim
an independent state with High Commissioner Prince George of
Greece.
In 1910, the great figure of Crete, Eleftherios Venizelos, as
chairman of the Greek government admitted Crete's first MPs in
the Greek parliament in Athens. And finally, on May 30, 1913,
Crete finally united with Greece with the Treaty of London and
since then has followed the history and fortunes of Greece.
In May 1941 the Germans, who had meanwhile occupied the rest of
Greece, attack Crete. The civilian population of the island
heroically resisted the invading Germans who finally captured
the island after a fight of 10 days, which became known as the
"Battle of Crete".
After the collapse of Germany in 1945, the heroic island
reverted back to Greece..
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