Knossos in Irákleio, Crete, Greece — Ελλάδα (Southeastern Europe, Balkan Peninsula)
"North Lustral Basin"
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 21, 2015
1. "North Lustral Basin" Marker
English Text:The room before you resembles a cistern. Its floor is lower than the surrounding area and is reached by steps. The "Lustral Basin" was surrounded by columns and was lined with slabs of gypsum giving it a luxurious appearance. In its present form, the area has been completely reconstructed by Evans (Figure 1).
Areas with a similar arrangement have been found in other parts of the Palace of Knossos, as well as at other palaces and in important Minoan buildings of the period (1700 - 1450 B.C.). It is not known how these places were used. However, from their construction it seems that they would not have been filled with water, nor was there any drainage. Evans thought that they were used in purification ceremonies and therefore called these places "Lustral Basins". Evans also believed that the Palace was a sacred place. That is why, in his opinion, the "Lustral Basin" in question was used to purify visitors going into the Palace via the neighboring North Entrance.
[Greek text:]
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Το δωμάτιο μπροστά σας μοιάζει με δεςαμενή. Το δάπεδό του Βρίσκεται Βα8ύτερα από τον γύρω χώρο και κατέδαινε κανεις εκεί με μία σκάλα. Η "δεξαμενή" περιΒαλλόταν από κίονες και είχε επένδυση με πλάκες από γυψόλι8ο, που της έδιναν πολυτελή όψη. Στη σημερινή του μορφή ο χώρος έχει
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 21, 2015
2. "North Lustral Basin" Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing where the park visitor was in relation to the ruins of the archaeological park, while standing in front of the marker.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 21, 2015
3. "North Lustral Basin" Marker
View showing where the marker is situated in relation to the "North Lustral Basin" ruins.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 21, 2015
4. "North Lustral Basin" Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, that is identified on the marker as being figure 1, showing the "North Lustral Basin."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1450.
Location. 35° 17.902′ N, 25° 9.784′ E. Marker is in Knossos, Crete, in Irákleio. Marker can be reached from Dedalou south of Glafkou, on the left when traveling south. This marker is located on the island of Crete, just south of the capital city of Heraklion, in the Palace of Knossos archaeological park, and you must be walking on the grounds of the archaeological park in oder to see this marker. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Knossos, Crete 714 09, Greece. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 21, 2015
5. "North Lustral Basin"
View of what is being depicted in the figure 1 illustration that is displayed on the marker.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, June 21, 2015
6. "North Lustral Basin"
View of the partially reconstructed, "North Lustral Basin" ruins.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 448 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 14, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
