Palace at Knossos 

For many years, scholars considered the legend of the Minotaur no more than just that -- a legend. However Sir Arthur Evans' discovery of a city on the Island of Crete in 1900 changed the historical perspective of King Minos and his rule.  Excavations at Knossos revealed a huge palace complex worthy of the king of Greek legend.

The palace itself, though vast, does not seem to have any order in its layout, rendering it a virtual maze, or labyrinth. The walls display beautifully preserved frescoes that reveal much about Minoan life and culture.  Prominent among the murals are depictions of bull-dancing.  Bull-dancing was an arena sport in which a group of acrobats performed feats of skill and courage on and around a bull. For example, one member of the troupe might somersault over the bull, using its horns as a springboard.  Such activities imply that bulls were indeed sacred to the people of Minos.