The Minoan palaces were the centre of the Cretan political and economic system. Constructed round a large central courtyard, they included storerooms containing pithoi (large jars) of oil, wine and grain from the surrounding countryside, stored against periodic agricultural failure but also for export and to support dependent personnel.
Some of these were engaged in building work, others were craftsmen producing magnificent works in pottery, ivory, stone and metal. Part of the palace was given over to such industrial activity. Other areas included the domestic quarters of the royal family and nobility, equipped with bathrooms, excellent drains and fresh piped water.
There were also shrines and public areas in which ceremonial activities took place, including bull-leaping, depicted vividly in frescoes at Knossos. These, coupled with the complexity of the palace at Knossos, which was built on four or five levels, must have given rise to the legend of the Minotaur, the terrifying bull-headed man imprisoned in the labyrinth beneath the palace.
Usually around the palace stretched a substantial town in which imposing houses built of stone housed wealthy merchants and craftsmen.
