Crete Island

Crete Island Latest News

Thousands of people were evacuated recently as fires threatened a tourist resort on the Greek island of Crete and continued to rage, fanned by violent winds.

About Crete Island

• It is the largest island of Greece. 
• It is located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea (an arm of the Mediterranean Sea) 160 km to the south of the mainland of Greece. 
• Covering an area of 8,336 sq.km, it is the fifth-largest Mediterranean Sea island. 
• It is bordered by the Sea of Crete in the north, the Libyan Sea in the south, the Myrtoan Sea in the west, and the Carpathian Sea in the east. 
• It is relatively long and narrow, stretching for about 260 km east-west and about 60 km at its widest point. 
• The island is characterized by a diverse landscape, including a mountain chain that runs the length of the island, sandy beaches, and fertile plains.
• Crete’s economy is primarily based on tourism, agriculture, and shipping. 
• Capital and Largest City: Heraklion. 

‹ ›

Crete Island History

• The island of Crete has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age by early hominids.
• The earliest advanced European civilization, the Minoan Civilization, started on the island around 2700-1420 BCE.
• The Minoan civilization ended after a major earthquake, and thereafter, the island’s rule was taken over by the Mycenaean civilization.
• The island was then subsequently ruled by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Andalusians, the Venetians, and the Ottomans.
• After the island’s independence from Ottoman rule, Crete became a part of Greece.
• During the Second World War, the island was occupied by the Nazi German forces and also served as the battleground of the famous “Battle of Crete.”

News: NIE