Heraklion (peripheral unit)

Heraklion () is one of the four peripheral units of Crete. The capital is the city of Heraklion.

Geography

The peripheral unit of Heraklion borders on the peripheral units of Rethymno to the west and Lasithi to the east. Farmlands are situated in the central and the northern parts, at the coast and in valleys. The mountains dominate the rest of the peripheral unit, notably the south. The main mountains are parts of Ida or Idi Mountains to the west and Asterousia in the south. The peripheral unit includes the island of Dia to the north.

Except for the mountains which receive mild to cool winters unlike northern Greece, the warm to hot Mediterranean climate dominates the peripheral unit.

Ancient history

Within the Heraklion peripheral unit's boundaries are a number of significant Neolithic and Minoan settlements, most notably the ancient palace complexes of Knossos and Phaistos. While both archaeological sites evince Neolithic habitation, it is the rich finds of Minoan civilisation, which flourished approximately 2000 to 1600 BC, that command the greatest scholarly attention.

Important ancient cities are:

• Knossos
• Phaistos
• Gortys
• Tylissos

Population history

• 1991 - 263,868, density: 99.91/km²
• 2001 - 292,482, density: 110.75/km²

Administration

The peripheral unit Heraklion is subdivided into 8 municipalities. These are (number as in the map in the...
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