1. Crete possesses healing properties, this is indeed a verified fact. Hippocrates himself advocated that the air of the island performs miraculous acts and aids in the recovery of the ill. Given his esteemed status as the father of Western medicine, it is reasonable to conclude that he possessed considerable insight into this matter.

  2. Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean and the largest in Greece.It holds the distinction of being the largest among the islands that constitute modern Greece. The island is characterized by its elongated and narrow shape, extending 260 km (160 miles) along its east-west axis, with a width that varies between 12 to 60 km (7.5 to 37 miles).

  3. Zeus, recognized as one of the most formidable deities in Greek mythology and the Sovereign of Olympus, is believed to have been born in the Dictaion Andron, a Cave situated in the Prefecture of Lasithi, on the island of Crete. Numerous ancient authors, including Homer, documented this legendary origin.

  4. The Minoans are recognized as the oldest civilization in Europe, and Knossos as the continent’s earliest city. It is also notable for being the site where two ancient scripts were uncovered. Excavations revealed Linear B, which represents the earliest known form of written Greek (Mycenaean Greek) ever discovered. This script is derived from the older Linear A, which regrettably remains undeciphered to this day.

  5. Crete was home to the famous Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis, who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature nine times. One of his most well-known works is the novel “Zorba the Greek.” However, Kazantzakis’s talents didn’t end there; he was also a traveler, poet, playwright, and philosopher.

  6. Many Cretans shoot guns for fun! Donโ€™t be afraid! They donโ€™t go around shooting people, if thatโ€™s what you think! Crete is one of the safest destinations in the world. The guns are fired during celebrations like weddings. Itโ€™s part of their tradition, just like the Cretan Lyra (musical instrument).

  7. Olive trees have blossomed in Crete since ancient times. Studies reveal that olive trees have been growing on the island for thousands and thousands of years! You know what they say right? Practice makes perfect! Regardless, Cretan olive oil indeed a delightful treat!

 

Photo by Egor Myznik on Unsplash

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