The Temple Tomb of Knossos: A Window into Ancient Cretan Culture

Neopalatial Period and Successive Phases of Repair: 

The Temple Tomb was built during the Neopalatial period, between 1700 and 1450 BCE. This period was marked by the height of Minoan civilization and the development of Knossos as a major economic and political center. Over the centuries, the Temple Tomb underwent successive phases of repair, including the construction of the underground burial chamber and the enclosure of the ground floor’s court.

These changes suggest the building was used for both funerary and cult functions, but the exact nature of these practices is still a matter of debate. 

Funerary and Cult Functions: 

The Temple Tomb’s ground floor features an enclosed court and a two-storey building that likely served as living quarters for the priests or priestesses who tended to the building.

The north side of the court leads to the pillar crypt and the underground burial chamber. This chamber is notable for its blue-painted ceiling and gypsum slab floor, which have been partially restored to their original state.

A rich deposit of grave goods and human remains was also found in this chamber, shedding light on the burial practices of the Knossian community. 

Upper Floor and Main Sanctuary: 

The Temple Tomb’s upper floor is accessible via an internal staircase or an outdoor court on the east side of the building. The main sanctuary on this floor features four rooms and several stone horns of consecration. These horns were likely symbolically dedicated to the gods worshipped at the Temple Tomb and are one of the few examples of such objects found in Minoan architecture. Sir Arthur Evans Discovery and Reconstruction: British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans was instrumental in the excavation and reconstruction of the Temple Tomb. He named the building the “Temple Tomb” due to the presence of the underground burial chamber, although it remains unclear if the building was actually used for religious purposes. Evans’ reconstruction efforts were controversial at the time, but they ultimately allowed the Temple Tomb to become one of the most recognizable and visited sites in Crete. 

Importance of Temple Tomb in the Knossian Community: 

The Temple Tomb’s importance in the Knossian community was likely two-fold. On one hand, it served as a burial site for the elite members of the community. The presence of rich grave goods and human remains in the underground chamber suggests that the people interred there were of high status and importance. On the other hand, it likely played a role in the community’s religious and cult practices, although the exact nature of these practices remains a mystery. 

The Temple Tomb’s significance in the context of Minoan civilization cannot be overstated, and it stands out as one of the most important cultural and religious sites of the era.