Friday 23 September 2011

Peacocks at the Cradle of Minoan Civilization - Knossos, Crete

I never get used to the sad cry of the peacocks at Knossos, no matter how many times I visit.  The haunting "mow, mow" echoes through the Bronze Age Minoan Palace like a child lost



The fact that they live at Knossos is no surprise - for they have lived there for centuries. Even the Minoan wall painting of the Prince of Lilies (dated 1600-1500 BC.) features his diadem decorated with lilies and adorned with peacock feathers



This peacock was not keen to be photographed, so very serenely turned and walked the other way....

....majestically!
© 2011 Photography by Francesca Muir

5 comments:

  1. Beautiful photos Frannie, amazing to be able to get so close.
    One of the nicest backends I have seen in a long time.
    Love Belinda XX

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  2. I visited Vitlycke in Tanum last week and one of the Bronze Age figures reminded me of Minoan bull leapers. However, there were no peacocks.

    Anna

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  3. Francesca - superb photos, word pictures and sentiments. There
    certainly were peacocks at Knossos years ago when I was working with a
    dig at the Palace and they roosted in the surrounding trees at night,
    flying down in the mornings most clumsily, often landing badly and
    calling to one another. I agree their plaintive cries touch a chord in
    ones soul - are they recalling some dark tragedy in the Minoan past I
    wonder? I love reading and seeing your postcards - keep it up. Love from Balepy.

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  4. Thank you for your comments - I love hearing from happy readers. F x

    ReplyDelete
  5. And the peacocks were still there earlier this month when we visited Knossos. You are correct about that haunting call of theirs as it re-echos across the countryside. . .beautiful post - so much more meaningful having just been there. J.

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I love reading your comments - so please feel free to add something. Thank you! F x

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