The Heraklion Archaeological Museum, one of the largest and most visited museums in Greece, hosts and displays in its fully renovated exhibition the outstanding material remains of the ancient cultures that developed on Crete for seven millennia, from the Neolithic period to the late Roman era.

This detailed archaeological-historical guide, rich in illustrations, is based on the findings of modern scientific research. Like a second Ariadne, it accompanies the visitor of the Museum and the reader among the exhibits, guiding them through the enchanting labyrinth of Cretan archaeology. It traces the evolution from Neolithic communities to the brilliant Minoan civilization – the first advanced civilization of Europe, whose most famous creations are exhibited in the Museum.

The complex structures, the cultural dimension, and the mythical echoes of this civilization come to life. The significant collections from historical times are also described in this guide, as they embody the creative side of Crete as part of the Greek and later Roman worlds. This presentation also includes brief illustrated overviews of the main archaeological sites that have yielded particularly valuable exhibits.