Iráklion

views updated May 11 2018

Iráklion (Heraklion or Candia) Seaport and largest city on the island of Crete, s Greece; capital of Iráklion prefecture. Founded in the 9th century by the Saracens, it was conquered by the Byzantines in 961, the Venetians in 1204, and the Ottoman Turks in 1669. It became part of Greece in 1913. The ruins of Knossos are nearby. Tourism is important. Exports: wine, olive oil, almonds and raisins. Pop. (2001) 263,868.