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How did Arthur Evans discover the remains of Minoan civilization at Knossos?

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Map of the Aegean region highlighting principal archaeological sites associated with ancient Aegean civilizations around 1250 BCE. The map shows mainland Greece, western Anatolia, and numerous islands in the Aegean Sea, with key locations such as Mycenae, Knossos, Troy, and Athens labeled. — Aegean civilizations Principal sites associated with Aegean civilizations.

British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans discovered the Minoan civilization at Knossos through a combination of scholarly research and direct land acquisition. His initial interest in Crete was sparked in 1894 by his study of ancient coins and stone seals featuring mysterious inscriptions.1

Following his hypothesis that the Mycenaean civilization originated in Crete, Evans purchased the tract of land containing the site of Knossos in 1899. He began excavations in 1900, and within a year, he had unearthed extensive palace ruins spanning 5.5 acres. The complex layout of the site reminded him of the labyrinth associated with the legendary King Minos, leading him to name the previously unknown Bronze Age culture the "Minoan" civilization. Evans continued his investigations at the site for the next 25 years, eventually uncovering evidence of earlier Neolithic layers beneath the palace ruins.12