Agora at Malia

The palace at Malia, rebuilt upon its earlier plan after its destruction ca.1700 BC by earthquake, is similar in style to its larger Minoan cousins on Crete, the palaces at Knossos and Phaistos. To the north of the palace is an area initially designated by the excavators as the "agora", incorrectly suggesting that it fit the function of a post-Minoan Greek agora, or marketplace. The palaces at Knossos and Phaistos feature similar, seemingly theatrical areas in this region, outside of the main palace areas. Malia's "agora" lacks the characteristically large paved steps, but features a portico and foundations for seating. It has since been identified as an area for bull games or acrobatic events, and possibly sacred events of the Minoans. The palace visible today was destroyed ca. 1450 BC, as were many other sites on Crete.