An Aegean Bronze Age town at Kephala, NC Crete, noted for the sophistication of its art and architecture. Flourishing c.1900–1400 BC, the settlement covered c.50 ha/125 acres, its mansions and houses linked by paved roads and dominated by the 19 000 sq m/4·7 acre Minoan palace discovered in 1899, and later partly reconstructed by Sir Arthur Evans. The traditional association with Minos, the labyrinth of Theseus, and the Minotaur has no historical basis.