Ron and Carolyn Sue Wall Family Photos

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Island of Crete, Greece, January 1977

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Main gate, Iraklion AS, a U.S. air base east of Heraklion, Crete, January 1977

Small park on the base just past the main gate

View from my barracks, Dhia Island five miles off the north shore of Crete in the Sea of Crete, Mediterranean Sea

The "Matalia Cafe" near the U.S. air base

Harbor at Chersonisou, about ten miles east of the base

Minoan ruins at Agia Triada with snow covered Mt. Ida, Crete's tallest moutain. Agia Triada is 32 miles west of the city of Heraklion (Irakleon); the first stop on a tour I took in January 1977

Minoan ruins at Phaistos, Crete 31 miles south west of the base

Me at the Minoan ruins at Phaistos

Beach and harbor at Matala on the sourthern coast of Crete

Back wall of the Roman grotto at Matala that post dates the Minoan civilization by centuries; this was a favorite hangout of European hipsters in the 1970's.

Ferry to Athens in the harbor at Heraklion, April 1977

Heraklion Harbor, Rocca a Mare Fortress at the north end of the pier and Greek fishing boats, April 1977

Heraklion Harbor from the fortress looking south towards the city of Heraklion

Produce market in downtown Heraklion, Crete

Lots of good fruits and veggies and fresh gyro (goat meat) (usually swarmed by flies); I didn't have the nerve to try it.

Basilica of Saint Mark (left of the bus) in Lions Square, Heraklion built by Italian Venetians (Venice) in 1239 after the Venetian conquest of Crete during the Fourth Crusade

The Palace at Knossos of mythical Greek King Minos first excuvated by Greek archeologist Minos Kalokairinos in 1877; the term "Minoan" comes from the name of the King, not the archeologist. No one knows what they called themselves.

The ancient sea faring Minoan civilization occupied Crete from about 7000 BC to around 1200 BC; this fresco represents the sport of bull leaping described in ancient Greek mythology

Additional excuvation of the palace was conducted by British archeologist Sir Arthur Evans between 1900-1930. Evans restored the frescos, (an act frowned upon by modern archeologist).

The large earthen jugs were used by the Minoans to store grain, oil and water. Many tourists from Europe visited while I was stationed on Crete, and still do.

The Minoan palaces at Knossos (and Phaistos) where destroyed by earth quakes about 1350 BC.

Ron and Carolyn Sue Wall Family Photos

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Island of Crete, Greece, January 1977

Ronald N. Wall

Added: 12 March 2024