What destroyed Heraklion?

The city was destroyed by earthquakes and sunk beneath the waves of the Mediterranean in the 8th century. It was rediscovered by Goddio’s IEASM team between 1999 and 2001. It was known as Heracleion to the Greeks (the historian Herodotus wrote of it in the fifth century B.C.), but Egypt called it Thônis.

Why is Heraklion called Heraklion?

The city’s name derives from the ancient Roman port of Heracleum, which likely occupied the same site. As the capital of Saracen Crete in the 9th century ce, it took the Arabic name Khandaq (“Moat”), which was corrupted to Candia by the Venetians, to whom the island was sold in 1204.

Why is Heraklion underwater?

At the end of the second century BC, probably after a severe flood, the ground on which the central island of Heracleion was built succumbed to soil liquefaction. The hard clay turned rapidly into a liquid and the buildings collapsed into the water.

How old is Heraklion?

The present city of Heraklion was founded in 824 by the Arabs under Abu Hafs Umar who had been expelled from Al-Andalus by Emir Al-Hakam I and had taken over the island from the Eastern Roman Empire.

Is there a Heraklion in Egypt?

The Lost City Of Heracleion, which was once the largest port in Egypt, was discovered underwater after more than 2,000 years in the year 2000. Its legendary beginnings go back to as early as the 12th century BC, and it has many links to Ancient Greece.

What is the population of Heraklion?

Heraklion is the fourth largest city in Greece. Its Municipality has a population of approximately 225.500 and extends over an area of 684.3 km2. The city proper has a population of around 140.000 inhabitants.

Can you swim in Heraklion?

The region of Heraklion has a colorful palette of beaches. Some of them are quite popular and touristic, but there are also plenty of hidden gems that can turn your swimming experience into a real adventure.