Phaistos, also known as Festos, was the most powerful city during the Minoan civilization, it was the wealthiest city and it's palace was the second largest in Crete. The place is situated in southern Crete, about an hours drive south of Heraklion, the place was first inhabited during the Neolithic period, then in the 15th Century BC it was taken over by the Mionan civilization. During the 15th century the Mionan palace was destroyed but Phaistos continued to be inhabited during the geometric periods, this was till the 8th Century BC. The temple of Rhea was built later and is in the south of the old palace, the ruins of Phaistos are quite interesting and depict it's rich history, it is one of the top ten places to visit when in Crete.