The Palace of Knossos Was Basically a Bronze Age Maze Did you know Europe once had a palace so massive and complex, people thought it was the Labyrinth from Greek myth? Welcome to Knossos—a Bronze Age architectural wonder, and maybe the real-life inspiration for the legend of the Minotaur. Built over 3,500 years ago on the island of Crete, the Palace of Knossos was the heart of the Minoan civilization. It had over 1,000 rooms, multiple levels, twisting corridors, and no clear center. Visitors could easily get lost—no Minotaur needed. This place had advanced plumbing, huge storage areas, workshops, and colorful frescoes showing acrobats flipping over bulls. Yep, bull-leaping was a real Minoan sport. But here’s where myth and history blur… Greek storytellers later spoke of a king named Minos, who trapped a monster in a labyrinth beneath his palace. Sound familiar? Some historians believe the confusing layout of Knossos may have inspired this very myth. Even the name “labyrinth” might come from the Minoan word for “labrys”—a double-headed axe symbol seen all over the palace. And just like the myth, Knossos didn’t last forever. The palace was abandoned around 1,100 BCE, possibly after earthquakes, fires, or foreign invasions. By the time Greek myth took over, Knossos was already a ruin… and ripe for legend. So while there may not have been a literal Minotaur, the Palace of Knossos was a maze of mystery, power, and ancient innovation. Want more lost civilizations, ancient myths, and weird history? Subscribe to Minutes of History!