Knossos is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and has been called Europe's oldest city. Settled as early as the Neolithic period it eventually became the ceremonial and political centre of the Minoan civilization and culture. The palace was abandoned at the end of the Late Bronze Age, c.1380–1100 BC. The site is famous for the mythical labyrinth associated with its inventor Daedalus, King Minos, Princess Ariadne, and Theseus of Athens, as well as the megalithic 'Horns of Consecration' and the remarkable Throne Room. Numerous snake-goddesses, giant double-axes and other stunning artefacts have also been found. It was discovered in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos, and the excavations began in 1900 by the British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans (1851–1941) and his team, and continued for 35 years. It is an enormous assemblage of 800 rooms, originally covered with magnificent frescoes, occupying several acres, with an earlier megalithic, cyclopean foundation. Includes exclusive aerial footage.