John Sheldon's photos with the keyword: Ancient

The Knossos Palace remains are sited just south of modern day Heraklion in Crete. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation and in mythology was the residence of King Minos. It is noted for its use of luxury materials, complex 'labyrinthine' architectural plan, advanced building techniques (including measures against earthquake damage and drainage that still works) and impressive size. These are remains of the second palace on the site, which lasted from about 1700 to 1350 BCE. The 'North Propylaeum' is the North Entrance to the Palace and it is located at the end of the road from the harbour.

The Throne Room at Knossos Palace is popularly thought to have been the place where the kings of the Minoan civilisation sat in state. It could equally have been a room dedicated to religious purposes, perhaps the main shrine in the Palace. This might explain the low ceiling and sense of mystery. The throne would have been where or a priestess representing the deity sat. (Minoan religion appears to have been founded on a mother goddess figure.) The Knossos Palace remains are sited just south of modern day Heraklion in Crete. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation and in mythology was the residence of King Minos. These are remains of the second palace on the site, which lasted from about 1700 to 1350 BCE.

The Knossos Palace remains are sited just south of modern day Heraklion in Crete. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation and in mythology was the residence of King Minos. It is noted for its use of luxury materials, complex 'labyrinthine' architectural plan, advanced building techniques (including measures against earthquake damage and drainage that still works) and impressive size. These are remains of the second palace on the site, which lasted from about 1700 to 1350 BCE. The Grand Staircase is in the east wing of the Palace. It was once thought to have led down stairs to the royal apartments, but recent opinion holds that the rooms below would have been too gloomy for royal occupation. There are 54 stairs, remarkably well preserved.

The Knossos Palace remains are sited just south of modern day Heraklion in Crete. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation and in mythology was the residence of King Minos. These are remains of the second palace on the site, which lasted from about 1700 to 1350 BCE. This ramp lies at the end of the road from the sea. Its narrowness is believed to be for security reasons. The rest of the site does not suggest that smallness was important to Minoan architects.

This is one of the oldest and best preserved ancient roads in Europe. It originally ran from the sea, through the town, to the Palace. The Knossos Palace remains are sited just south of modern day Heraklion in Crete. It was the centre of the Minoan civilisation and in mythology was the residence of King Minos. These are remains of the second palace on the site, which lasted from about 1700 to 1350 BCE.

Parikia is the main town in the island of Paros in the Cyclades. The church in which this ancient font is preserved is one of the most important Christian monuments in Greece. The original church was constructed in the 4th century A.D. Many reformations were performed through centuries and today the church is a complex of Paleochristian, Byzantine and post-Byzantine elements. The name Ekatontapiliani means 'the Church with the hundred doors'. According to tradition, the church has 99 doors and a secret door will open when the church of Hagia Sofia in Constantinople becomes Orthodox Christian again. The ancient Baptistery in which the cruciform font is situated dates back to the 4th century. It is said to be the most ancient and the best preserved baptistery of the orthodox Christian East. It was, obviously, designed for the use of adults wishing to be baptised as Christians.

The Palace of Marco Sanudo, the Venetian conqueror of Naxos. Marco Sanudo captured the entire island of Naxos as well as other Cycladic islands by 1209 and pronounced himself as the Duke of the Archipelago in 1210. Naxos (Chora) was his chosen capital city.

Very old woodwork at the Fortress of Chora, on the island of Naxos.

The great door leading into the Temple of Apollo. Near Naxos town on the Greek island of Naxos.

The great door leading into the Temple of Apollo. Near Naxos town on the Greek island of Naxos.