Throne Room Knossos Palace Wall Décor Bas Relief Minoan Crete Ancient Greek

Our Relief is based on the magnificent throne room in the 15th century BC palace of Knossos in Crete, at the center of Minoan civilization, which is considered the oldest such room in Europe.

The throne room was unearthed in 1900 by British archaeologist Arthur Evans, during the first phase of his excavations in Knossos.

It was found in the center of the palatial complex and west of the central court. The Original chamber contains an alabaster seat on the north wall, identified by Evans as a “throne,” while two Griffins resting on each side are gazing at it, seemingly paying obeisance to the figure who sits there.

They represent mythical creatures that combine a lion and an eagle – two beasts that rule the land and the earth and symbolize divinity and kingship. However, these griffins are unusual: although they are beautifully elaborated with collars and something like a crown, they do not have wings.