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History of Crete

Greece. Crete

Neolithic era

The earliest human presence is attested in Crete during the Neolithic period, which begins between 6000 and 5000 BC. BC. The end of this era falls around 2600 BC.

Minoan era

The beginning of the Minoan era coincides with the beginning bronze age. The opinion was expressed that new civilization, which developed and existed in Crete for about 1200 years, was brought to the island ca. 2600 BC people who came from Asia Minor. With him, perhaps, other tribes from Egypt and Libya arrived, who, however, have no connection with the Egyptians and Semites. The aliens were allegedly one of the Indo-European peoples. Unfortunately, we do not know their language, just as, with the exception of minor facts, nothing at all is known from history. Minoan Crete. However, the lack of information about the history is more than made up for by the rich finds obtained as a result of archaeological excavations. Thanks to these findings, we are fairly well informed about the achievements Minoan civilization, art, social structure and economy of Crete.

On the basis of the available rich finds, we currently have a chronological periodization of the Minoan era, a division into periods and sub-periods. The latest chronological system is based on the following fundamental dates in the history of the Minoan civilization: 2600 BC. - the emergence of a new population, bringing with it the knowledge of bronze processing; 2000 BC - construction of the first large Minoan palaces; 1700 BC - the destruction of old palaces as a result of a strong earthquake and the construction of new palaces a few years later, even more luxurious than the old ones; 1400 BC - the destruction of new palaces, possibly as a result of the volcanic eruption on Santorini, which also marked the end of the Minoan civilization; 1100 BC - Conquest of Crete by the Dorians. From the arrival of the Dorians to the Roman conquest. Since the beginning of this period, significant changes in art have been observed. Forms of ceramic products undergo changes, iron is used for the first time in metallurgy. In the later geometric period (900-725 BC) art, especially ceramics, saw a new flourishing. Finally, in the archaic period (650-500 BC), a new, so-called "Dedalian" style appears in sculpture.

Roman era

After a stubborn struggle, the Romans, led by the commander Metellus, captured Crete in 68 BC. Crete becomes a Roman province with its capital at Gortyn (Gortys), which also includes Cyrenaica. Christianity appears in Crete with the arrival of the Apostle Paul (63-66 AD). First Byzantine period. This period begins, in fact, after 395, when Theodosius the Great was emperor. The island was quiet until the beginning of the Arab invasions around 650.

Arab conquest

Taking advantage of internal turmoil in Byzantium, in 824 the Arabs captured Crete. The Arabs made Heraklion their capital, which they fortified, surrounded on all sides by a wide and deep moat, from which the city got the name Handak (Khandakas). The Arab conquest brought much suffering to the people of Crete. Christians were massacred and converted to Islam, women and youths were sent to the Khandak slave markets, where they were sold and sent as slaves to the countries of the East. Second Byzantine period. Arab domination in Crete caused opposition from Byzantium, which repeatedly, albeit unsuccessfully, tried to recapture the island. The end of these failures was put in 961 by the campaign of the Byzantine commander Nikephoros Phocas, who, after fierce battles, captured Crete.

Venetian rule

In 1212, after the war with the Genoese, the Venetians became the owners of the island. The Venetian rule, which lasted for more than 400 years, brought new misfortunes to the people of Crete, who constantly rebelled against the invaders. However, this struggle did not prevent the cultural revival of the island.

Turkish rule

This was the most difficult period in the history of Crete. First, the Turks captured Chania in 1645, and then began to move east, setting fire and destruction on everything in their path. The main obstacle for them was the Khandaka fortress. It took 23 years of siege to capture it. After that, the Turks became the absolute masters of the island, and the Cretans lived in hard captivity. Their churches were converted into mosques, their property was confiscated, women were abused, and their children were taken away to be made Janissaries. However, the Cretans bravely resisted. There were many uprisings on the island, the largest of which took place in 1770 (led by Daskalogiannis), in 1821, in 1866 (when Arkadi exploded) and in 1897.

Independence and reunification with Greece

The explosion of Arkadi and the courageous struggle of the Cretans excited world public opinion, which led to the intervention of the four great European powers of that time (England, France, Russia and Italy). The Turks were expelled from the island, and the Greek prince George was proclaimed the "Supreme Regent" of Crete, who arrived on the island to rule the "State of Crete", as this autonomous state was called. However, it took another uprising to reunite with Greece. It happened in 1905 in Ferissa under the leadership of Eleutherios Venizelos. And yet, the reunification took place only 8 years later, when E. Venizelos was Prime Minister of Greece.

Battle for Crete (1941). German occupation

Another glorious page was inscribed in the history of Crete. We are talking about a major battle in May 1941 between the allied powers of Greece and the population of Crete on the one hand and the Nazi paratroopers on the other. The people of Crete put up stubborn resistance even after the establishment of German occupation on the island. The punishment that fell on the Cretans from the side of the invaders was cruel. Entire villages were razed to the ground, and the male population was subjected to mass executions. However, accustomed for so many years to struggle and self-sacrifice, the spirit of the Cretans was not broken.

prehistoric era

Guns found in Crete ancient man allow us to make an assumption that more than 130 thousand years ago, Neanderthals arrived by sea on the island.

Starting from 1900 B.C. e. in Crete, the construction of the first palaces begins, which was the result of the highest economic prosperity that the island has known. According to archaeological excavations, palaces in Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Kato-Zakros belong to this era. The most important find of the ancient palace period is the Phaistos disk (1700-1600 BC). The end of this period is considered to be a powerful Minoan eruption on about. Santorini, which caused the destruction of the largest palaces.

Strong waves wiped out coastal cities, destroyed the fleet, isolating it from the outside world, ash covered the sun, caused a cold snap and the destruction of agriculture. As a result, a terrible famine broke out, which led to the destruction of the social structure and the usual way of life.

For a long time, among the researchers of Crete, the theory dominated, the author of which was the Greek archaeologist S. Marinatos. According to this theory, the eruption on the island of Santorini ended the pre-Greek Minoan civilization, weakened the island and was one of the main reasons for its capture by the Greeks. Modern research, however, date the eruption not earlier than 1600, that is, almost 200 years before the Greek invasion. After the eruption, Crete managed to survive a new economic upsurge.

During the reconstruction of the palaces, it was found out about the existence of Novodvortsovaya (Greek. Νεοανακτορική ) era - the period of the highest flowering of the Minoan civilization, the center of which was, without a doubt, Knossos, located 10 km south of Heraklion. Knossos was absolutely not threatened by invasions, external or internal, since during the excavations no fortifications. The palaces at Phaistos, Malia, Kato Zakros, and elsewhere were local administrative centers and controlled Knossos's trade with Cyprus, the Greek mainland, and other trading partners. Archaeological finds show many aspects of the life of that time (from trade to everyday life) that change from city to city. The main occupation of the Cretans was shipping and trade, as well as agriculture, animal husbandry and the production of textiles and ceramics. It is known that sea currents along the coast of Asia Minor, past Rhodes, ships were driven from East to West. This direction of currents and accompanying winds indicated launch pad international trade, directed mainly towards Crete. It was considered the main junction of the land roads of Western Asia, located in Syria, including with access to Ugarit (modern Ras al-Shamra). The bulk of commercial foreign trade traffic was through the ports of Ayia Triada, Malia and Festa. Food products were transported across the island using the well-organized road network that existed on the island at that time. Crete did not have a centralized government. Egyptian sources, very scrupulous about the titles of the rulers with whom Egypt maintained contacts, only speak of Crete as "the people of Keftiu."

Achaeans

The penetration of the Greeks and Pelasgians into the island led to the emergence of a hybrid Mycenaean civilization, in which Minoan elements were combined with elements of mainland culture. Greek lore connect this penetration with the name of the legendary king Minos. The fact that the Minoan (that is, pre-Greek) civilization was named after Minos is a historical curiosity: the discoverer of the Minoan civilization A. Evans denied the role of the Greeks in the Cretan-Mycenaean culture.

Dorians

In the X century BC. e. Dorians arrived in Crete and settled in largest cities islands (Knossos, Festus, Gortyn, Kydonia, etc.). The new inhabitants brought with them the technology of iron smelting, which was used not only for making weapons, but also for the production of building tools and decorative items. The Dorians also brought new traditions (burning of the dead - cremation, etc.). At the same time, the indigenous inhabitants of Crete go to remote central and eastern regions islands. With the spread of the Dorians, Crete began to be dominated by an oligarchic government modeled on Sparta. More than 100 city-states were formed, the largest of which were Festus, Knossos, Ierapefa, Gortyn, etc., and the whole society was divided into 4 groups: Dorians, Perieki, Minoites and Afamiotes (or Clarotes). The last two groups were slaves without political rights, from which we can conclude that the Cretan society is similar to the Spartan one. In general, the intellectual and religious ties between Dorian Crete and Dorian Sparta were, apparently, quite strong, as evidenced by the activities of such Cretan soothsayers, priests and healers as Epimenides and Thales were.

Roman period (67 BC - 395 AD)

Crete was conquered by the Romans during the Third Mithridatic War, in which it supported the Kingdom of Pontus.

In 73 BC. e. Mark Anthony Kretik comes to Crete as the governor of the Romans, but his propraetorship ends in tears - in 71 BC. e. the Cretans defeat his fleet near Cydonia and take him prisoner.

Together with the occupation of the island by Quintus Caecilius Metellus in 67 BC. e. a long period of peace and prosperity begins, during which cities such as Kydonia, Knossos, Festus were rebuilt, and also administrative center islands - Gortyn. Gortyn was the only city that survived many invasions. The presence of the Romans did not significantly affect everyday life Cretans who managed to preserve their language, traditions and culture. The Romans built many architectural monuments that have survived to this day. In the year 58, they first learned about Christianity in Crete (through the Apostle Paul).

First Byzantine period (395-824)

Main article: Byzantine Crete

For a long time, including throughout the Middle Ages, on the island, which was not affected by the invasions of the Germans and Slavs, ancient orders were preserved, including slavery. After the start of the Arab conquests (7th century), Muslim naval attacks on the island intensified, and blockades of its settlements became more frequent.

Arab rule (824-961)

Byzantium held the island until 1204, when the crusaders captured Constantinople.

Venetian period (1204-1669)

Byzantine dominance in Crete comes to an end with the fall of Constantinople in 1204. Crete was first conquered by Genoa, which, after the war, gave the island to Venice in 1210. In Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion, the Venetians built many structures that have survived to this day. The capital of the island was Heraklion. During the period of Venetian domination, Crete experienced a real cultural flourishing: the largest architectural monuments and literary works important to the evolving Greek culture.

The Venetians completely excluded the passive and inert Greek population from participation in political life countries. Nevertheless, their policy of systematic displacement of Orthodox canons by Catholic ones and the complete abolition of the local Orthodox clergy irritated local population. It got to the point that the local Greeks openly collaborated with the Turks, who provided greater autonomy Orthodox Church on lands taken from the Byzantine Empire.

In 1453, after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire, many scientists and artists fled from there to Crete.

The gradual capture by the Turks of all Greek lands leads to the reign of the atmosphere of the inevitable fall of Crete in the Greek community of the city. Most Greeks subconsciously prepared themselves for a new life in a Muslim state, given the already existing experience of Crete as a Muslim emirate.

Under the control of the Ottoman Empire (1669-1898)

"Autonomy" of Crete (1898-1913)

In the middle of 1898, the Ottoman Empire made a last attempt to claim the island. In July, Javad Pasha arrived in Candia, appointed at first as governor-general, but soon removed to the more modest post of commander of the Turkish troops in Crete. Repeated clashes between Dzhevad Pasha and the Council of Admirals of European Powers forced the Ottoman Sultan in October 1898 to recall him. At the beginning of September 1898, Turkish fanatics began to massacre the local Greeks in Candia. The British patrol, blocking the path of the rioters and protecting the Christians, lost one officer and thirteen soldiers killed and twice as many wounded. In addition, the British vice-consul and several hundred Christians were killed. The unrest was stopped only by the threat of a bombardment of Candia. After that, the European powers offered the Ottoman Empire to withdraw its troops from Crete. A Cretan autonomy was created under the name "Cretan State", which was under the control

Along with the widespread use of copper, the population of Crete is also growing. In 2000 B.C. e. the first commercial contacts begin with neighboring regions: the Cyclades, Asia Minor and Egypt. Taking advantage of the key geographical position, the Cretans laid the foundation for the future Minoan civilization. The first urban centers of Crete were formed by the second millennium BC around the palaces of local archons (kings), located at the center of rural communities that flourished thanks to profitable agriculture. This kind social organizations existed for 600-700 years, during the Minoan civilization. Thanks to the rapid development of agriculture, Crete is becoming one of the richest regions in the Mediterranean.

Palace period and Minoan civilization

Starting from 1900 B.C. e. in Crete, the construction of the first palaces begins, which was the result of the highest economic prosperity that the island has known. According to archaeological excavations, the palaces at Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Kato Zakros belong to this era. The most important find of the ancient palace period is the Phaistos disc (1700-1600 BC). The end of this period is considered to be a powerful earthquake, which caused the destruction of the largest palaces.

The advanced Minoan civilization is believed to have ended its existence during a massive earthquake and explosion on the island of Santorini. Recent discoveries by scientists from Columbia University in New York and scientists from the University of Hawaii confirm this theory, first put forward in 1930 by the Greek archaeologist Spyridon Marinatos (Greek. Σπυρίδωνα Μαρινάτο ). Marinatos claimed that Knossos and Phaistos were destroyed by a violent tidal wave and ash cloud that formed after an explosion on the island of Santorini around 1600 BC. e.

Achaeans

Dorians

In the X century BC. e. Dorians arrived in Crete and settled in the largest cities of the island (Knossos, Festus, Gortyna, Kydonia, etc.). The new inhabitants brought with them the technology of iron smelting, which was used not only for making weapons, but also for the production of building tools and decorative items. The Dorians also brought new traditions (burning of the dead - cremation, etc.). At the same time, the indigenous inhabitants of Crete go to the hard-to-reach central and eastern regions of the island. With the spread of the Dorians, Crete began to be dominated by an oligarchic government modeled on Sparta. More than 100 city-states were formed, the largest of which were Festus, Knossos, Ierapefa, Gortyn, etc., and the whole society was divided into 4 groups: Dorians, Perieki, Minoites and Afamiotes (or Clarotes). The last two groups were slaves without political rights, from which we can conclude that the Cretan society is similar to the Spartan one.

Roman period (67 BC - 395 AD)

Crete was conquered by the Romans during the Third Mithridatic War, in which they supported the Kingdom of Pontus.

In 73 BC. e. Mark Antony Cretik comes to Crete as the governor of the Romans, but his propraetorship ends in failure - in 71 BC. e. the Cretans defeat his fleet near Cydonia and take him prisoner.

Together with the occupation of the island by Quintus Caecilius Metellus in 67 BC. e. a long period of peace and prosperity begins, during which such cities as Kydonia, Knossos, Festus, as well as the administrative center of the island, Gortyn, were rebuilt. Gortyn was the only city that survived many invasions. The presence of the Romans did not significantly affect the daily life of the Cretans, who managed to preserve their language, traditions and culture. The Romans built many architectural monuments that have survived to this day. In the year 58, they first learned about Christianity in Crete (through the Apostle Paul).

First Byzantine period (395-824)

Arab rule (824-961)

Byzantium held the island until 1204, when the crusaders captured Constantinople.

Venetian period (1204-1669)

The Venetians completely removed the passive and inert Greek population from participating in the political life of the country. Nevertheless, their policy of systematic displacement of Orthodox canons by Catholic ones and the complete abolition of the local Orthodox clergy irritated the local population. It got to the point that the local Greeks openly collaborated with the Turks, who provided greater autonomy for the Orthodox Church in the lands taken from the Byzantine Empire.

In 1453, after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire, many scientists and artists fled from there to Crete.

Under Ottoman rule (Ottoman Crete 1669-1898)

"Autonomy" of Crete (1898-1913)

In the middle of 1898, the Ottoman Empire made a last attempt to claim the island. In July, Javad Pasha arrived in Candia, appointed at first as governor-general, but soon removed to the more modest post of commander of the Turkish troops in Crete. Repeated clashes between Dzhevad Pasha and the Council of Admirals of European Powers forced the Ottoman Sultan in October 1898 to recall him. At the beginning of September 1898, Turkish fanatics began to massacre the local Greeks in Candia. The British patrol, blocking the path of the rioters and protecting the Christians, lost one officer and thirteen soldiers killed and twice as many wounded. In addition, the British vice-consul and several hundred Christians were killed. The unrest was stopped only by the threat of a bombardment of Candia. After that, the European powers offered the Ottoman Empire to withdraw its troops from Crete. Cretan autonomy was created under the name "State of Crete", which was under the control of the Greek Prince George.

In 1899 the last Ottoman units left Crete. A significant part of the island's Muslims also left with them. In 1900, Prince George presented to the powers that controlled Crete a memorandum on the unification of the island with Greece. However, the memorandum was rejected by the governments of the great powers. In response, mass demonstrations of the population began in Crete for reunification with Greece. The Chamber of Deputies of Crete swore allegiance to King George I and decided to replace the Cretan flag raised everywhere with the Greek one. The council of admirals demanded that the Greek flag be lowered and asked the governments of their countries to send additional ships to the island. In September 1906, the Council of Admirals forced Prince George to resign as High Commissioner. He was replaced by Alexandros Zaimis of Italy in Greece. Great Britain was forced to fulfill its obligations under the guarantees given to Greece in April 1939. At the request of the Greek government, 4 squadrons of aircraft were sent to Greece (after some hesitation), and on November 1-4, 1940 units landed on Crete, which was of great strategic importance in the Mediterranean. Nazi Germany supported Fascist Italy. As a result of the offensive of the German troops and the subsequent capitulation of the Greek armed forces King George II and the government of the country left Athens and flew to Crete. The British Expeditionary Force, having destroyed heavy weapons and means of transport, was also forced to evacuate (more than 50 thousand out of 62 thousand people) there by sea.

By 1941, there were approximately 27 thousand soldiers of the British Commonwealth countries evacuated from Crete. mainland Greece and two battered Greek divisions. The local garrison consisted of three infantry battalions. Around the island, in anticipation of the German amphibious assault, patrolled four detachments of British warships, consisting of four battleships, nine cruisers and more than twenty destroyers. However, at the end of May 1941, Crete was captured as a result of a landing operation by German troops (Operation Mercury). By June 2, the island is completely occupied.

In Crete, from the first days of the occupation, partisan detachments of General Mandakas fought.

In May 1945, the island, with the help of England, Australia, New Zealand and Soviet Union was completely liberated from the German occupation.

Most big Island Greece and the fifth largest among all the Mediterranean islands. Geographically considered Europe. From the north, Crete is washed by the Cretan Sea, from the south by the Libyan Sea, and in the west by the Ionian Sea. The capital of the island is Heraklion.

The most sought after European island with a very developed tourism infrastructure. It is one of the regions of the Hellenic Republic with high economic and cultural development.

In ancient times, it was the center of a highly developed Minoan civilization, which peaked in 2000 BC.

By the way, the beaches of Crete and the features of recreation in Crete

History of the island

The first settlements on the island appear during the Neolithic period (7000 BC). At the beginning of 2000 BC. blossom four cultural centers Minoan civilization: Knossos, Phaistos, Malia and Zarkos. Around 1380 BC there is powerful eruption volcano Santorini on the island of Thira ( modern island Santorini). The resulting tsunami causes the death of coastal cities, and the settled ash leads to the decline of agriculture, due to which the local population lived. The wave height reached 150-200 meters, and the speed was up to 200 km per hour.

Since 1000 BC, Dorians have settled in Crete. In the 8th-9th centuries, the Muslims captured the island, and it became the Emirate of Crete. At the beginning of the 13th century, captured by the Catholics, it begins to exist as the Kingdom of Crete. Immediately after that, it falls under the protectorate of Venice. And only at the end of the 17th century it again becomes Muslim. In 1898, after the Cretan uprising, it becomes free, and in 1913 it reunites with Greece.

Attractions

The history of Crete stretches from ancient times. Many Greek myths and legends are connected with the territory of the island. Here, in one of the caves, the supreme greek god Zeus. The beauty Europa, abducted by Zeus in the form of a bull, having overcome the depths of the sea, set foot on the land of this blessed island. During the reign of King Minos, Crete reached the highest level of culture and art, which is admired by historians and art historians around the world.

Most famous palaces and fortresses that in one form or another have been preserved on the island: the Palace of Knossos, the Palace of Phaestos and Agia Triada, the Palace of Zakros, the Palace of Malia, the Archanes Palace, the Frangokastelo Fortress, the Spinalonga Island Fortress, the Gramvousa Island Fortress, the Fortezza Fortress.
Many monasteries adorn the island with their domes and bell towers, soaring into pure heavenly halls. Among them are the monasteries: Toplou, Arkadi, Preveli, Agia Triada, Katholiko, Kera Kardiotissa.
Caves and gorges of the island have bizarre shapes and fantasy stories. It is worth visiting some of them: Dikteyskaya, Ideyskaya, Melidone, Sfendoni, Matala caves. Famous gorges: Ha, Richtis, Mili, Imbros, Prassano, Patsos, Samaria, Araden.
Ancient cities and the remnants of the former luxury of its inhabitants are kept in stone statues and numerous ruins and excavations. It is worth turning your attention to such of them: Aptera, Gurnia, Lato Etera, Eleftherna, Archanes, Amnis, Gortyna.

Traditional Cretan cuisine

Cretan cuisine consists of a large number vegetables, fruits, meat, cheese and various seafood. Products are considered environmentally friendly and very healthy. A real storehouse of vitamins and minerals is local olive oil, without which no dish can do. Once on the island, you should definitely try the following dishes: moussaka, souvlaki, baked rabbit, lamb ribs, saganaki cheese, baked fish, squid rings, aromatic Cretan coffee and the famous Cretan wine.

Crete and all-inclusive holidays.

Many hotels have adopted the all-inclusive food system that tourists liked. Not only 5 * hotels, but also small private hotels are happy to offer the services of such a catering system. It is very convenient when you are traveling with a small child and do not plan to leave the hotel. As a rule, it includes: breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.

Entertainment and shopping

The largest shopping centers and streets are located in the capital of the island, Heraklion and Hersonissos. Souvenirs and gifts can be safely purchased in small resort towns and townships. What purchases will please with their variety and prices? Of course, buying a real Greek fur coat, clothes, natural cosmetics, handmade soap, clay products.

There is plenty of entertainment on the island. noisy night life flows in Heraklion and Hersonissos. These resorts on Crete best places for relaxation and endless fun. In addition, numerous water parks and aquariums will allow you to have fun with children. Traveling around the island in a rented car will allow you to get a lot of pleasure from driving, and from the landscapes you see.

Airports in Crete

There are three airports on the island. Biggest international terminal located near Heraklion. It is equipped with all the modern amenities of civilization, and has a duty-free zone.

Chania Airport is much smaller than the capital and accepts domestic and some international flights. The duty free zone is very modest.

Sitia Airport is the smallest, and operates on domestic flights, but if necessary, accepts international ones.

Transport

Public transport consists of bus service. City buses are marked in blue, long-distance buses in green. They run daily from 6:00 to 23:00. On average, a ticket on the city route costs 1 euro. The trip from Heraklion to Malia takes approximately 1 hour and costs 4 euros. The most convenient transport is a taxi or a rented car. For renting a small class car, you will have to pay 20 euros per day.

ATMs

ATMs for withdrawing cash from the card are installed in large shopping malls and branches of local banks and airports. The location of the nearest ATM should be checked with the hotel administrator or at the information desk.

Holidays in Crete in Greece in 2018 promise to be as sunny, fun and interesting as they have been for many years.

The history of the island begins with the mention of Kaptara in the texts of the Syrian city of Mari in the 18th century BC. When the island began to be called Crete is not known. The name "Crete" first appeared in Homer's Odyssey. Its etymology is unknown. During certain periods of its history, Crete was called Handhaks or Handhakas, during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, Crete was called Girit.
Ancient people settled in Crete about 130,000 years ago. Later, during the reign of the Minoans, Crete was very developed and was one of the leading civilizations of that time. IN different time Crete was ruled by the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Emirate of Crete, the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire. After a short period of autonomy (1897-1913), Crete became part of the Greek Kingdom. During World War II, the island was occupied by Nazi Germany.
It is interesting that there was in the history of Crete a small period of control of part of the island by Russia. In 1898 the Cretan State was created. This happened as a result of the intervention of such powers as France, England, Italy and Russia.
The island of Crete was inhabited mainly by people who spoke Greek, were Christians. During and after the Greek War of Independence, the island's Christians rebelled several times in their desire to unite with Greece. The uprisings were brutally suppressed, but under pressure from Europe, the Ottoman Empire made some concessions. However, then the confrontations grew again and in 1896-1897 the Greek government sent its troops to the island, thereby provoking a war with Ottoman Empire. Despite the fact that Crete almost completely came under the control of the Greek forces, their army was not ready and was defeated by the Turks. The war was stopped by the intervention of the Great Powers of Russia, Britain, France and Italy, which forced the Greek soldiers to leave the island and the Turkish army to cease hostilities.
In March 1897, the Great Powers decided to restore order to the island, and formed a temporary committee of four generals who were to govern the island until the arrival of Prince George of Greece as the first High Commissioner of autonomous Crete. On August 25, 1898, Turkish criminals staged a real massacre, killing hundreds of Cretan Greeks, the British consul and 17 British soldiers. As a result of this event, Turkish troops were expelled from the island in November 1898.
In 1908, taking advantage of the unstable situation in Turkey, the deputies of Crete proclaimed an alliance with Greece, but it was not recognized by Greece until October 1912, and it was recognized in the world only in 1913, after the Balkan War.
Sultan Mehmed V renounced his formal rights to the island. December Greek flag towered over the city of Chania, and Crete was officially united with Greece. The Muslim population of the island initially remained in Crete, but later moved to Turkey as part of the population exchange between Turkey and Greece.

During the Second World War, the island became famous for the famous Battle of Crete in May 1941. Then the German paratroopers met fierce resistance from local residents and British Commonwealth forces and lost about 7,000 men. As a result, Adolf Hitler forbade further large-scale amphibious operations.

In retaliation for their heroic behavior, the Germans shot the Greeks. So the Kondomari Massacre entered the sad history of those years. The shooting of the entire male population of the village of Kondomari in Crete was the first such mass execution of a civilian population in the Second World War. During the fighting, the inhabitants of Crete and the military, who fought side by side with them, inflicted heavy losses on the Wehrmacht. So, the paratroopers were attacked even with axes and knives. When word of this was brought to the top of Nazi Germany, the German troops were ordered to investigate and repress. Repressions were carried out quickly and bypassing formalities.
The inhabitants of the village of Kondomari were blamed for the death of several German soldiers whose bodies were found near the village. On June 2, 1941, the men, women and children of the village were forced to gather in the square. The women and children were then released. The men were taken to olive groves and then shot. The exact number of victims is still unknown. According to German reports, 23 men were shot, according to other sources, up to 60 people were shot. The entire operation was filmed.
The shooting was organized by Colonel General Kurt Student. After the surrender of Germany, he was arrested by the British. In May 1947, he was court-martialed to answer for the mistreatment and murder of prisoners of war. Greece's request to extradite him to them was denied. Kurt was found guilty on 3 of the 8 charges and received five years in prison. However, for medical reasons, he managed to get out already in 1948. Kurt Student died 30 years later, in 1978, at the age of 88 in his homeland, in Germany.