Zakros Palace - the fourth and last of the Minoan palaces found in Crete, is located in the east of the island, in the area of the village of Kato Zakros. The findings quantitatively and qualitatively exceeded the results of excavations in Malia, Phaistos and Knossos, since the Zakros palace was not yet untouched by the human hand - it was not plundered, unlike the other 3 Minoan palaces. Artifacts of great aesthetics and artistic value: ceremonial pots and vessels, including the most beautiful stone vessel of the Crete-Mycenaean era, a ceremonial vessel made of transparent quartz, in addition, various bowls, cups and urns from rare materials such as faience, ivory, obsidian, alabaster and marble. An amazing find is a cup with olives, which have been preserved for more than 3,500 years due to moisture in the soil. Gold-handed swords from Cyprus, elephant tusks were discovered here, as a result of which, archaeologists have suggested that the Zakros palace could be an important link in trade with the Middle East and Egypt. Archaeological excavations on the territory of Kato Zakros continue to this day. Many finds are exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Sitia, as well as Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.
In the gorge west of Kato Zakros, numerous burials dating back to the times of the Minoan civilization were discovered. Most likely, there was a cemetery. Hence the corresponding name - Gorge of the Dead.
At the entrance to the archaeological site there is a monument (bust) to the archaeologist Nikolaos Plato, who discovered the Palace of Zakros. Conclusions about the purpose of many rooms of the palace were made according to the finds: the central courtyard (perhaps rituals were held here, as indicated by the altar located in the northern part of the courtyard); workshop complex; sacred spring (square niche with steps, filled with water, where turtles live); pool of cult ablutions (a square room with a round niche in the floor, with a diameter of 7m); a room with many openings; sanctuary or bathroom; kitchen; storage facilities (various vessels and pifos found); the Tsar’s hall or the entrance hall for visitors to the Symposius Hall; Symposium hall (ritual feasts); pool, sanctuary, archive, treasury, western workshops.
The palace in Zakros was built around 1700-1600. BC. The causes of the death of the great Minoan Civilization are still a mystery. Although there is speculation about the dire consequences of the eruption of Thera.